Stachys floridana is a perennial herb in the family Lamiaceae, commonly known as the Florida hedgenettle or Florida betony. It is native to the southeastern United States, primarily Florida, though it has naturalized in other regions like the Carolinas and Texas. The genus name Stachys is Greek for "an ear of grain," referring to the spiked inflorescence, while the species epithet floridana denotes its primary geographic origin. Historically, while it was likely known to indigenous populations in the Southeast, it gained broader recognition as a "rattlesnake root" (due to the segmented shape of the tuber) and is often viewed by modern gardeners as a persistent weed that happens to be edible.

The plant features the classic square stems and opposite leaves characteristic of the mint family, with small, tubular, pinkish-purple flowers that appear in the spring. Below ground, it produces white, fleshy, segmented tubers that are strikingly similar to those of its relative, Stachys affinis. These tubers are crisp and succulent, designed to store energy and allow the plant to survive dormant periods. Stachys floridana is highly opportunistic and spreads rapidly via these rhizomes, often colonizing lawns and garden beds, making it a favorite for "backyard foraging" but a challenge for traditional landscaping.

As a food source, the tubers of Stachys floridana are highly regarded for their crisp texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor, often compared to radishes without the spicy bite or water chestnuts. They can be eaten raw as a crunchy snack, tossed into salads, or pickled in vinegar—a common practice in the Southern United States. When cooked, they can be sautéed or stir-fried, though they lose some of their characteristic crunch if over-processed. Similar to the Chinese artichoke, the convoluted segments of the tuber can trap soil, requiring thorough washing, but the skin is thin enough that peeling is unnecessary.

Nutritionally, Florida betony is low in calories and, like other Stachys species, stores energy primarily as the tetrasaccharide stachyose. This carbohydrate is not fully digested by human enzymes but serves as a prebiotic for gut bacteria. The plant is rich in various secondary metabolites, including phenylethanoid glycosides and flavonoids. In traditional folk medicine, it has been used in infusions for its purported sedative and digestive properties, while modern ethnobotanical interest focuses on its potential as a functional food that provides antioxidants and supports gut health.