Purple Deadnettle (Lamium purpureum): The Healing Weed You Shouldn’t Overlook. With its vibrant purple tops, fuzzy leaves, and square stems, this humble little plant is a common springtime sight in gardens, meadows, and along sidewalks. But did you know it’s also edible and full of healing properties?
Let’s explore the amazing benefits of purple dead nettle, how to identify it, and how to prepare a gentle herbal tea with it.
Easy to Identify
Purple dead nettle is part of the mint family and grows low to the ground. It’s often mistaken for henbit—but don’t worry, henbit is edible too. The two grow in similar environments and are often found side by side in early spring.
Key Features:
- Square stem (a common trait in the mint family)
- Soft, hairy, heart-shaped leaves
- Upper leaves are tinged with purple
- Small pinkish-purple flowers bloom at the top
- Leaves have a mild, grassy or slightly earthy scent
Fun fact: It’s called “dead” nettle because, unlike stinging nettle, it doesn’t sting!
Purple Dead Nettle Has No Dangerous Look-Alikes
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