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Marsh woundwort

 

 

Common in Estonia; seems to be the most handsome flowerer in the mint family (Labiatae) in wet areas. The inflorescences consist of small whorls of reddish-pink flowers; unfortunately they have an noticeably unpleasant smell. The leaves are narrow, densely serrated; the stems around a metre.

 

It prefers wetter habitats and needs a moderately fertile sand or peat soil. The flowering generally ends in early September.

 

Late flowerers are important to our insects; nectar has to be turned into winter stores.

 

Bumblebee on marsh woundwort