Belongs to: mint family

Black horehound Ballota nigra


Best time to see: Jul to end Sep

Key facts

A straggly perennial with whorls of bluish -purple flowers at the base of its leaves in summer

Its toothed, oval leaves have a strong smell that gives it its rather unpleasant name

Common along roadside verges and other uncultivated places; a good nectar plant for wild bees


© Tony Gunton