Biological Flora of the British Isles*:Stachys sylvaticaL.

Abstract

Summary1.This account presents information on all aspects of the biology ofStachys sylvaticathat are relevant to understanding its ecological characteristics and behaviour. The main topics are presented within the standard framework of theBiological Flora of the British Isles: distribution, habitat, communities, responses to biotic factors, responses to environment, structure and physiology, phenology, floral and seed characters, herbivores and disease, history, and conservation.2.A rhizomatous perennial herb, with strong far‐creeping stolons,Stachys sylvaticais a polymorphic native herb of open woodlands, hedgerows, banks of rivers and streams, widespread throughout most of the British Isles.3.Stachys sylvaticaoccurs in light to moderate shade. It is suggested that the red/far red ratio is more critical than reduced irradiance in the plant’s response to shading.4.Stachys sylvaticaoccurs on moist or damp but not wet, weakly acid to weakly basic soils, and has been described as a nitrate indicator on base‐rich soils.5.Stachys sylvaticadepends on seedlings established close to the parent plant for maintaining population density. Stolons are probably effective in extending the area of clones.6.The hybrid betweenStachys sylvaticaandStachys palustris,Stachys×ambigua, is most frequent in northern and western Britain, and occurs as an introduction outside the native range ofStachys sylvatica.