Woundwort is a perennial herb that can grow up to a meter in height and forms patches in shady places beside hedges and on woodland edges. It prefers light or sandy soil, but can also thrive on medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils provided the drainage is adequate. The plant can grow in partial shade, such as in light forested areas, as well as in sunlight.

Appearance Woundwort has a square cross-section stem that can be either unbranched or very occasionally branched. From each node emerges a pair of opposite stalked hairy leaves that are an elongated heart shape and toothed, similar to the leaves of Stinging Nettle. The flowers are reddish-purple and fused bilabiate, with a convex (hooded) upper lobe and a tri-lobed lower lip intricately patterned with white markings.

Use Woundwort is used to promote the healing of wounds, as its common name suggests. It is also a valuable source of nectar for several insects, including honeybees and bumblebees. The plant can be found growing in the wild in swamp meadows, along river banks, and beside streams and ditches. It is indigenous to Europe and widespread in the United Kingdom.