Name
Dead Nettle
Common Names
Purple Dead Nettle, Red Dead Nettle
Scientific Name
Lamium purpureum
Family
Lamiaceae (Mint Family)
Description
Originating from Europe and Asia, usually considered a weed. Low growing winter annual with square stems that can be found in lawns, roadsides, gardens and open areas. Often confused with Henbit.
Leaves
Crowded heart-shaped leaves tend to overlap; upper leaves are often reddish-purplish with greenish undersides and hairy. Short petioles (leaf stems) Wavy to serrated margins.
Flowers
Light purple flowers have a top hooded petal with 2 lower lip petals. May be produced throughout the year.
Bloom Time
February-October
Pollen Source
Early blooming plants are utilized by both native bees and honey bees as pollen and nectar sources. Important for spring build-up.
Nectar Source
Pollen Color
red
Native to NC
No