Stachys glutinosa

Perennial of the Lamiaceae family, this woundwort is endemic to Corsica and Sardinia, where it grows on rocks, cliffs, rocky garrigues, and open maquis, from sea level to mountainous areas. It favors well-drained substrates, dry to fresh, often acidic, in full sun exposure or slight partial shade.

It forms a dense and compact bush, with woody stems at the base, generally between 20 and 40 cm in height. The leaves are small, narrow, linear to lanceolate, bright green, very close on the stems, and strongly aromatic when crushed. As its name suggests, the entire plant is covered with glandular hairs that give it a sticky texture to the touch, a character immediately perceptible and quite distinctive in the genus.

The flowers, small, white to very slightly pinkish, are arranged in sparsely populated whorls along the leafy stems, creating a discreet but persistent bloom. In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from May to August depending on altitude and exposure. In cultivation, it generally blooms from June to August.

It requires a very well-drained soil, poor to moderately fertile, and a sunny exposure. Hardy to moderately negative temperatures, it may suffer more from winter humidity than from cold. Its bushy and aromatic habit makes it an interesting candidate for Mediterranean rock gardens, walls, and gravel gardens.