Hedge woundwort can grow up to 75cm tall, and is easily identified by its spike of purple flowers, and toothed leaves covered with fine
hairs which look similar to those of a stinging nettle.
Another identifying feature is its distinctive smell. While it may be a member of the mint family, it has a far from delicious smell. Instead it emits a pungent, astringent smell, especially when the flowers or leaves are crushed. This smell is similar to that of putrid flesh, which can help with attracting pollinators.
Traditionally, as the name suggests, this plant was used for dressing cuts and wounds. The 17th century herbalist John Gerard used it to tend to those injured in pub brawls in Elizabethan London.