Purple dead nettle (Lamium purpureum) is one of the first plants to show up in early spring. You might see it growing in your yard, along sidewalks, or around your garden. It has soft, fuzzy leaves and small purple-pink flowers, so once you know what to look for, it’s pretty easy to spot. Some people call it a weed because it spreads fast, especially in damp, rich soil.
But honestly, I don’t get why people dislike it. It’s useful, gentle, and doesn’t sting like real nettles. Plus, it’s good for you! You can eat it, use it in tea, or even make a tasty green pesto with the young leaves. The flavor is light and a little grassy — nothing strong — and it blends well with other herbs.
The name “dead nettle” just means it won’t sting you. And even though it’s not super famous for taste, it’s packed with nutrients and has been used for a long time to help with cuts, colds, and allergies. So instead of pulling it out, it might be worth getting to know this little plant a bit better.
What is Purple Dead Nettle?
Purple dead nettle Some variations of the plant name include “Purple Deadnettle”, “Purple Dead Nettle”, “Purple Deadhead Nettle”, and “Purple Archangel”. is a low-growing, herbaceous plant in the mint family (Lamiaceae). Despite its name, it isn’t a true nettle and doesn’t sting to the touch.
Native to Europe and Asia, it has now spread across North America, where it thrives in gardens, roadsides, and meadows. Its nickname “dead nettle” comes from the soft, harmless hairs on its leaves, unlike the stinging sensation caused by other nettle varieties.
How to Identify Purple Dead Nettle
Purple dead nettle has a way of blending in — humble, unassuming, often passed over until one day, you realize it’s everywhere. It grows quietly in garden beds, roadside ditches, even the cracks in sidewalks, just waiting to be noticed.
But once you do notice it, it’s one of the easiest plants to recognize. Especially in early spring, when most plants are still shaking off winter, purple dead nettle is already putting on growth — those soft, triangular leaves stacked like shingles, topped with a flush of purplish-pink.
Chances are, you already know it by sight. Maybe you saw the photo above and thought, “Wait a minute… I know that plant!” You just didn’t have a name for it — until now.
Purple Deadnettle Stems
Purple deadnettle has square-shaped stems — a common feature in plants from the mint family. If you gently roll the stem between your fingers, you’ll feel the edges instead of a round surface.
The stems usually grow about 8 to 10 inches tall, though they can sometimes get a bit taller in good soil. They’re smooth and typically green, often with a reddish or purplish tint, especially near the top of the plant.
Purple Deadnettle Leaves
The leaves of purple dead nettle grow in opposing pairs along square-shaped stems, a hallmark of the mint family. At the plant’s base, they are green, but as you move up the stem, the leaves take on a reddish-purple hue. They’re textured with fine hairs, slightly jagged around the edges, and tend to point downwards. Their heart-shaped or triangular appearance makes them easy to spot compared to other plants.
Purple Deadnettle Flowers
When blooming season arrives, you’ll notice clusters of tiny, tubular flowers nestled neatly at the leaf nodes. These delicate blooms form whorls of about 6 to 10 flowers toward the top of each stem. Although each flower technically has five petals, they’re fused together into a charming, tube-like structure featuring one hooded petal on top and two lower petals forming a distinct lip.
Each petite flower is shaped like a gentle funnel, measuring around half an inch long, typically showcasing shades ranging from soft lavender-pink to vivid purple.
Purple Dead Nettle Look-Alikes
One of the best things about purple deadnettle—especially for beginners—is that it’s fairly easy to identify and doesn’t have any toxic look-alikes. The plants most often mistaken for purple deadnettle are usually other harmless members of the mint family, such as henbit and ground ivy. Still, it’s useful to learn their differences so you can forage confidently.
Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule)
Henbit and purple deadnettle bloom around the same time and share that telltale square stem. But here’s how you can tell them apart:
- Henbit’s leaves are more rounded or oval-shaped, with deeply scalloped edges.
- Its upper leaves sit right against the stem — no little leaf stems (called petioles) — while purple deadnettle’s leaves have short stems and form a cone shape near the top.
- Henbit doesn’t blush purple at the top the way purple deadnettle does. Its leaves stay green all the way up.
- If you look closely at the flowers, henbit’s have tiny darker spots on the lower lip and fine hairs on the top “hood.”
Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea)
Ground ivy, also known as creeping Charlie, is another mint-family member that can cause confusion. But it’s got its own quirks:
- Its leaves are more rounded or kidney-shaped and are lightly hairy, but not as soft and fuzzy as purple deadnettle.
- Like henbit, ground ivy’s leaves stay green — no purple tops.
- Most noticeably, it sprawls across the ground instead of growing upright like purple deadnettle. It’s more of a creeper than a stander.
Once you’ve trained your eye, distinguishing purple dead nettle from these look-alikes becomes second nature.
Is Purple Deadnettle Edible? You Bet — But Let’s Be Honest About It
Yes, purple deadnettle is edible — you can use the leaves, flowers, and even the stems if you really want to.
And here’s where I usually grin — because when people hear “edible,” they often picture something delightful, like wild strawberries or tender mint leaves. But just because you can eat something doesn’t mean you’ll be daydreaming about deadnettle salad all spring.
The best part to eat is the top of the plant — those tender young leaves and flowers just as they start to bloom. That’s when the flavor is milder, the texture is softer, and the fuzzy leaves aren’t quite so noticeable. The calyx (that little cup that holds the flower) is still tender then, too. You can eat the leaves before the flowers show up, but only if you’re confident in your plant ID — it’s always wise to be sure before eating anything wild.
As the plant matures, the flavor gets stronger — kind of earthy, even a little mushroomy — and the texture gets tougher, especially the stems. The purple tops are usually the best-tasting part, slightly sweet with a grassy note.
Still, don’t let that turn you off. Like many wild greens, it’s packed with goodness — vitamins, minerals, antioxidants — all the stuff our modern diets tend to lack. Even tossing in a small handful now and then can add a nutritional boost to your meals and a bit of wildness to your plate.
Medicinal Benefits of Purple Dead Nettle
Despite its modest appearance, purple dead nettle is loaded with medicinal properties. It has been used by herbalists for centuries to treat various ailments. Some of its key benefits include:
- Astringent: Helps tighten tissue and reduce inflammation.
- Antimicrobial & Antibacterial: Protects against harmful bacteria and infections.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Eases swelling and irritation.
- Diuretic: Encourages gentle detoxification by promoting urination.
- Antioxidant: Combats free radical damage and boosts the immune system.
Internally, purple dead nettle is often used as a tea or tincture for allergy relief, menstrual irregularities, and improving gut health. When applied externally, it works well as a poultice or salve to soothe cuts, scrapes, and bug bites.
Recent studies suggest that its antioxidant-rich polyphenols may help prevent diseases influenced by free radicals, while its hemostatic properties support the longstanding belief that it can staunch bleeding.
Edible Uses of Purple Dead Nettle
In the kitchen, it’s surprisingly versatile if you use it right. I’ll toss a handful of young leaves into a salad with other greens, or chop them up and add them to scrambled eggs. If I’ve got a good bunch, I might throw them in a soup or a spring stew, or blend them into a pesto with garlic, olive oil, and whatever nuts I have on hand. You can even swap it in for cilantro in tacos, which gives them an earthy, herbal twist.
It also dries well — I like to dehydrate the leaves and grind them into powder to add to smoothies or soups later on. It’s not the star of the show, but it’s nutrient-dense, abundant, and once you get to know it, surprisingly useful.
Where and When to Find Purple Dead Nettle
Purple deadnettle (Lamium purpureum) is one of those early risers that signals spring’s quiet arrival — often popping up through the last patches of melting snow. With its reddish-purple, fuzzy-topped leaves and square stems, it’s easy to spot once you know what to look for, especially since it often grows in great patches like nature’s own groundcover.
You’ll find it thriving in places where the soil’s been disturbed — garden beds, field edges, along trails, and in forgotten corners of backyards. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and sunny spots, though it can tolerate some shade. Once it takes hold, it spreads readily, especially in areas with loose or tilled soil. In fact, if it shows up in your garden, don’t be surprised if it makes itself right at home.
Foraging season starts in early spring, but you’ll often find purple deadnettle growing right through summer, especially in cooler, wetter climates.
How to Harvest Purple Dead Nettle
Make sure to check the plant for ants and powdery mildew. Ants actually help disperse the seeds of the plant. As for powdery mildew, it’s a fungal disease that leaves white specs on the leaves – don’t harvest it. Start by snipping the stems about half an inch above the ground. Gently shake the harvested plant to dislodge any insects. You can rinse the stems and leaves with cool water before use, but avoid soaking them for too long to preserve their texture and flavor.
Purple dead nettle grows quickly, so harvesting won’t harm its population. Always forage responsibly, avoiding areas that may be contaminated by pesticides, car exhaust, or animal waste.
Drying Purple Dead Nettle
Preserving purple dead nettle for later use is easy with one of these methods:
- Dehydrator: Lay the leaves and flower tops flat on a dehydrator tray and set to low (95–105°F) for 6–8 hours.
- Oven: Spread the plant parts on a baking sheet and bake at the lowest temperature (typically 175°F) for 8–10 hours.
- Air Drying: Place the harvested stems on a drying rack in a well-ventilated area. Stir occasionally and check every few days until fully dry.
Once dried, store it in an airtight container to preserve its potency for months to come.
Purple Dead Nettle Recipes
Here’s a simple herbal tea recipe to try:
Purple Dead Nettle Tea
Purple Dead Nettle makes for a gentle, soothing brew—mild in flavor, with soft grassy notes and a hint of earth. It’s particularly handy when seasonal sniffles roll in or when you’re just in need of a calming moment.
You’ll need:
- 2 teaspoons dried leaves and flowers (or a small handful of fresh)
- 1 cup hot water (not quite boiling)
- Optional: honey or lemon slice
To make: Place the herb in a tea strainer, pour over the hot water, and let it steep for 5–7 minutes. Strain, sip, and sweeten if you like. For a more layered flavor, try adding peppermint or chamomile—they complement Purple Dead Nettle beautifully.
Purple Dead Nettle & Spring Green Soup
This one’s like spring in a bowl. When cooked, the nettle’s soft, herbaceous flavor blends right in with heartier ingredients, offering a wild twist on classic vegetable soup.
You’ll need:
- 1 cup fresh Purple Dead Nettle leaves (stems removed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups vegetable or bone broth
- 2 potatoes, cubed
- 1 cup spring greens (kale, spinach, etc.)
- Salt and pepper
To make: Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add potatoes, stir a bit, then pour in the broth and simmer until tender. Toss in the nettle and other greens, cook for a few more minutes, and season to taste. Serve with crusty bread and maybe a drizzle of olive oil for good measure.
Purple Dead Nettle Pesto
When you’ve foraged more nettle than you know what to do with—pesto is your friend. It’s simple, quick, and incredibly versatile. Purple Dead Nettle gives it a slightly peppery twist, perfect for spreading or spooning onto anything you fancy.
You’ll need:
- 2 cups fresh Purple Dead Nettle leaves
- ¾ cup fresh basil or spinach (optional)
- ½ cup walnuts (or pine nuts, sunflower seeds)
- 2 garlic cloves
- ½ cup Parmesan (optional for vegans)
- ½ cup olive oil
- Juice of half a lemon
- Salt and pepper
To make: Blend everything but the oil in a food processor. Drizzle in oil while blending until smooth. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Spread on toast, toss with pasta, or freeze in ice cube trays for later.
Here are some additional culinary and medicinal uses for purple dead nettle:
- Purple Dead Nettle Smoothie
Blend fresh purple dead nettle leaves with kefir or yogurt, a banana, and a handful of berries for a nutrient-packed smoothie. This combination offers a refreshing way to incorporate the plant’s health benefits into your diet. - Purple Dead Nettle Tincture
Create a tincture by steeping chopped purple dead nettle in high-proof vodka. This preparation is traditionally used to support seasonal wellness and can be stored for extended periods. - Infused Oil and Salve
Infuse dried purple dead nettle in a carrier oil like olive or coconut oil. This infused oil can be used directly on the skin or combined with beeswax to make a salve, which may help soothe minor skin irritations. - Purple Dead Nettle Poultice
For minor cuts or insect bites, crush fresh purple dead nettle leaves and apply them directly to the affected area as a poultice. This traditional method is believed to help reduce inflammation and promote healing. - Natural Dye
Use purple dead nettle to dye natural fibers. Boil the plant to extract its pigments, which can impart a subtle green hue to fabrics like wool or cotton. - Wild Greens Quiche
Incorporate chopped purple dead nettle leaves into a quiche along with other spring greens. This adds a unique flavor and boosts the nutritional content of the dish. - Purple Dead Nettle Risotto
Sauté finely chopped purple dead nettle leaves and stir them into a creamy risotto. The herbaceous notes of the nettle complement the richness of the dish. - Herbal Vinegar Infusion
Steep purple dead nettle in apple cider vinegar for several weeks to create an herbal infusion. This vinegar can be used in salad dressings or as a tonic.
FAQs About Purple Dead Nettle
What is Purple Dead Nettle good for?
It’s great for both medicinal and culinary uses, from immune-boosting teas to vibrant spring salads. It also provides nectar for pollinators.
Is Purple Dead Nettle invasive?
Yes, purple dead nettle (Lamium purpureum) can be considered invasive in many areas — though it’s more of a mild-mannered invader than an aggressive one.
It spreads easily, especially in disturbed soil like garden beds, pastures, and roadsides. Because it’s part of the mint family, it grows fast and reproduces quickly, often forming thick patches that can crowd out more delicate native plants if left unchecked.
What does Purple Dead Nettle tea taste like?
Purple dead nettle tea has a mild, earthy flavor — kind of grassy with a hint of sweetness, especially if you’re using the tender purple tops. It’s not overpowering, but it’s not particularly bold either. Think of it as a gentle, grounding herbal tea, a bit like dried clover or fresh spring greens steeped in warm water.
Is Purple Dead Nettle the same as Creeping Charlie?
Nope, purple dead nettle and Creeping Charlie aren’t the same — though they’re both in the mint family and can look similar at first.
Purple dead nettle grows upright with fuzzy, heart-shaped leaves that often turn purple near the top. Creeping Charlie, on the other hand, spreads low along the ground with rounded, scalloped leaves and a strong minty scent when crushed.
They’re easy to tell apart once you know what to look for — and luckily, neither one is poisonous.
Does Purple Dead Nettle have any side effects?
While generally safe, some people may experience allergic reactions. It’s always best to try it in small amounts first.
Can I grow Purple Dead Nettle in my garden?
Yes! It’s easy to cultivate and supports a healthy ecosystem by attracting pollinators.
Conclusion
Purple dead nettle proves that even the most unassuming plants can have incredible value. Whether you’re sipping its tea, using it as a natural remedy, or cooking up a springtime dish, this versatile “weed” is worth celebrating. So, next time you spot a patch of purple dead nettle, consider harvesting it instead of pulling it out. With its many uses, it just might become a favorite in your foraging adventures. Happy foraging!
