The Ziest is a wild plant that is widespread. The fantastic thing about him are the flowers. They are the reason why he becomes an insect magnet anytime and anywhere. That is why it is also often cultivated in near-natural gardens. Below is an overview of the most well-known species in this country.

The genuine Zierst is widespread with us

Mountain Ziest - Stachys recta

The mountain ziest is a wild plant that is also very useful in cultivated gardens. It is a good choice, especially for natural gardens, where a plant is allowed to grow wild.

  • Bergziest grows to a height of 40 to 70 cm
  • attracts wild bees
  • has a long flowering period from June to October
  • the flowers are pale yellow

True Ziest - Stachys officinalis

This Zieart, which is also called Heil-Ziest, is widespread with us. In southern Germany in particular, it covers large areas in the wild. If you want to settle it in your garden, you have to put the fertilizer package aside. It only likes and thrives on poor soils. He likes to seed himself and may need to be shown his limits with scissors. Among the species offered there are those with white, pink or violet flowers.

Large-flowered Ziest - Stachys macrantha

The large-flowered Ziest grows as a compact perennial. In a partially shaded to sunny location, this can become very lush and large over the years. The dark green leaves are reminiscent of the nettle. The small flowers are pink-purple. As with all other types of Zieste, its flowers have a strong attraction to insects.

Marsh Ziest - Stachys palustris

Its name reveals the primary distribution area. Marsh Ziest likes damp, nutrient-rich places. He finds these near water banks, next to ditches or on all fields that have a lot of moisture. It can grow 30 to 100 cm high. It blooms bright pink from June to September. In a cultivated garden he will feel comfortable at the edge of the pond.

tips

The young, tender shoots in spring can enrich our diet. Both raw in a salad or smoothie and steamed.

Wood Ziest - Stachys sylvatica

At its original location, the wood ziest spreads a delicate scent of lilac. We can also bring this into our own garden. He finds the ideal location under sparse trees. There he is allowed to grow wild over time. It has large, heart-shaped leaves that are serrated at the edges. The Waldziest can not only delight us with its violet flowers, but also give us a rich harvest. In the ground it forms tubers that can be cooked like potatoes.

Wollziest - Stachys byzantina

Also known as Woolly Ziest, Rabbit Ears and Donkey Ears. This valuable wild perennial is undemanding and grows in almost any permeable soil. It can look rustic, but with the right accompaniment it can also look elegant. The pink-purple flowers are not spectacular, but the leaves are felty and gray in color. Some bee species use its woolly plant material to build their nests.

Category:

Herbs