[L. stachys (Pliny), a. Gr. στάχυς (Dioscorides), a transferred use of στάχυς ear of corn.
The plant called stachys by Pliny is described as resembling a leek, with longer and more numerous leaves, a yellowish color, and an agreeable smell; used as an emmenagogue. The reason for the modern application of the name is obscure.]
† a. In early use app. a name for Clown’s Woundwort, Stachys palustris. Obs. b. Bot. A genus of plants of the N.O. Labiatæ, of which there are two British species, S. palustris (see a.) and S. sylvatica, popularly Hedge Nettle. Also a plant of this genus.
1562. Turner, Herbal, II. 146. Stachis is a little bushe lyke vnto hore hounde.
1682. Wheler, Journ. Greece, I. 52. A kind of small Stachys, with silver leaves.
1882. Garden, 28 Oct., 385/3. Stachys coccinea…. The only species of Stachys that can really be termed a garden plant.
1876. Pall Mall Gaz., 18 Oct., 4/1. These places are where the corn stachys has overspread the ground.
