Galeopsis segetum - Downy Hemp Nettle

Family:	Labiatae
Habit:	Annual
Height:	0.6
Synonyms:	G. dubia. G. ochroleuca.
Range:	W. Europe, including Britain, from Denmark to Germany and Spain.

Galeopsis segetum (Downy Hemp Nettle) is a Annual which grows to a height of 0.6m . It has a hardness rating of 0.
Downy Hemp Nettle will flower in January to April. The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Bees, self

Soil Information

Downy Hemp Nettle will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Downy Hemp Nettle prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Downy Hemp Nettle can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Fields, meadows and waste places[9, 17].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Can be planted in Cultivated Beds
• Suits a meadow

Cultivation Details

Grows in most soils, disliking heavy shade. This plant is sometimes grown in the wild garden[200].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 0/5
None known

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 2/5
The flowering plant is astringent, diuretic and mildly expectorant[9]. A decoction has been used in the treatment of whooping cough, bronchitis, tracheitis etc[9]. The plant is harvested in the summer and can be used fresh or dried[9]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant[9]. It is used to treat disorders of the spleen[9].

• Astringent - Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
• Diuretic - Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
• Expectorant - Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
• Homeopathy - A plant used in homeopathic treatments.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in situ[200]. Germination usually takes place within a month.

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, many other members of this genus are said to be poisonous, causing paralysis[74].

Other Uses

None known

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Flora of the British Isles.
Clapham, Tootin and Warburg.
Author: Clapham, Tootin and Warburg.
Rating:
Publisher : A very comprehensive flora, the standard reference book but it has no pictures.
Date of Publication : 1962

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

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