Herb of the Week: Betony

By Barbara Smith

Perhaps not a familiar herb for many gardeners, betony (Stachys officinalis), also known as wood betony, is a member of the mint family, hardy to zone 4. This low maintenance perennial grows in matted clumps, preferring sunshine or light shade and average soil to thrive. Its flower is unusual — on a short spike, the bloom begins at the top, with stem below, followed by more flowers — known as an “interrupted spike.” Flower colors range from white through purple and are attractive to pollinators.

The plants’ heights range by variety from nine inches to three feet tall. The leaves are dark green, heart-shaped and rough-textured. Betony blooms in July and August, and currently is blooming in the BBG Herb Display Garden near the Center House.

Historically, many healing attributes were connected to betony; Romans cited betony as a curefor 47 different ailments! In the Middle Ages, betony was believed to ward off evil spirits. Modern herbalists cite betony’s astringent qualities as a major attribute, and it is also used in treating tension headaches.

Its culinary use is as a substitute for black tea, or as a base herb in herb tea mixes.

A popular Stachys variety called “Hummelo” has vivid rose lavender blossoms and is deer and rabbit resistant. It is named for the garden home in the Netherlands of Piet Oudolf, the famous Dutch garden designer, who utilizes this herb in his plant compositions. In 2019, the Perennial Plant Association designated Stachys “Hummelo” as perennial plant of the year, noting it is “as trouble free as it is eye catching.” Perhaps you might plant some in your garden next season?

In the Kitchen

This past rainy Tuesday inspired the Herb Associates Kitchen Team to make quite a variety of products. The latest flavors in our new line of shrubs are Raspberry and White Peach. Try adding a few spoons of these fruity-vinegary combinations to your favorite summertime drinks for a refreshing treat.

These shrubs are produced in limited quantities during the season when the fruits are at their peak. In a similar vein, Rose Simple Syrup and Lemon Mint Simple Syrup were prepared. Herbed Raspberry Vinaigrette joined the salad dressing offerings, and Jalapeno Jelly will add a zing to your cheese and cracker snacks. Finally, additional jars of the ever-popular dried herb blend – Herbes de Provence – were bottled in a new, smaller size. Check out these and other offerings at the BBG Gift Shop on your next visit to the Garden. Sales support the work of the Garden.

The Berkshire Botanical Garden’s Herb Associates began in 1957 and have been making and selling products for the benefit of BBG ever since. At BBG, the Herb Associates oversee a display garden and production garden, both located near the Center House. Members/volunteers meet every Tuesday morning during the late spring through mid-autumn each year, coinciding when the gardens themselves are open to the public. Members plant, weed and tend the gardens, as well as harvest and process the variety of herbs.