Purple Deadnettle - a springtime delight!

Harvested purple deadnettle

Purple deadnettle (Lamium purpureum) is an early season "weed."  Note that this plant is different from Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica), thus the word "dead" in the name of the plant.  The small hairs on purple deadnettle are generally not irritating to the skin, though it is still recommended that you use gloves and sharp, spring-loaded pruners for harvesting any plants.  You may want to consider keeping one pruning tool used exclusively for edible harvests.  

I delight in seeing this plant for a couple of reasons.  

1. Early season pollinators seem to love it.  

2. Its actually edible - it grows quickly, so when I notice it, I can snag a handful to supplement a meal.  I mean, it is in the mint family after all, so it's a pretty hardy weed!

(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.) 

Purple deadnettle is in the mint family.  

According to Aaron Patton, Turfgrass Extension Specialist with Purdue University, "Purple deadnettle leaves are triangular in shape with shallow lobes. The upper leaves are more purple-red in color than the lower leaves."  

Here are some tips for identifying purple deadnettle:

• Look for the square stems. This is one of the most distinctive features of purple deadnettle.
• Examine the leaves. They are usually fuzzy and have a triangular shape.
• Look for the pink to purple flowers. These bloom in the spring and early summer.

If you are still having trouble identifying Purple Deadnettle, you can always consult a field guide or ask an expert.

Once you identify and harvest your purple deadnettle, you can prepare it a number of ways!

Purple deadnettle is an edible plant that can be eaten raw or cooked. It has a slightly bitter flavor, but it is also very nutritious. Here are some ways to eat purple deadnettle:

• Add it to salads. Purple deadnettle can be chopped and added to salads for a boost of nutrients.
• Make a pesto. Purple deadnettle can be made into a pesto by chopping it and mixing it with olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
• Add it to soups. Purple deadnettle can be added to soups for a flavorful and healthy addition.
• Sauté it. Purple deadnettle can be sautéed with other vegetables for a quick and easy meal.
• Make a smoothie. Purple deadnettle can be added to smoothies for a boost of nutrients and flavor.

Purple deadnettle is a versatile and delicious plant that can be enjoyed in many different ways.

Tips for cooking with purple deadnettle:

• Use the young leaves of the plant. The older leaves can be tough and bitter.
• Cook the leaves briefly. Overcooking will make them tough.
• Add purple deadnettle to dishes at the end of cooking. This will preserve its delicate flavor.

Look-alikes

Another "weed" that you will often see at the same time of year is Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule).  In the photo below, you'll see Henbit growing along the ground in the foreground of the picture and Purple Dead Nettle growing in the middle.  Henbit is a low-growing, annual weed that is native to Europe and Asia. Note the difference in leaf shape - Purple Dead Nettle leaves are somewhat triangular in shape and cluster around the top of the stem. Henbit has round, heart-shaped leaves with scalloped edges. On both plants, the stems are square shaped and the leaves are green or purple in color. Henbit flowers are small and pink or purple, and they grow in whorls at the top of the stems. The flowers bloom in the spring and summer.

Henbit is a common weed in lawns and gardens. It can also be found in disturbed areas, such as roadsides and vacant lots. Henbit is a relatively easy weed to control. It can be eradicated by hand-pulling or hoeing - but why would you want to, when you can eat it too!

Purple Deadnettle in the middle, Henbit in the foreground

Henbit - notice the different growth habit and spacing of the leaves

Harvested purple deadnettle on the left, henbit on the right

Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea), also known as ground ivy, is another look-alike plant. It is a member of the mint family and has opposite, heart-shaped leaves that are hairy on the underside. The leaves are arranged on square stems and have a minty odor when crushed. The flowers are small, blue-purple, and bloom in the spring and summer.

To identify creeping Charlie, look for the following characteristics:

• Opposite, heart-shaped leaves
• Hairy leaves on the underside
• Square stems
• Minty odor when crushed
• Small, blue-purple flowers

Creeping Charlie also has edible and medicinal qualities.   It is said to be effective in treating a variety of ailments, including headaches, stomachaches, and skin irritation.  For more information on its medicinal uses, you can reference the book Edible and Medicinal Wild Plants of the Midwest (3rd Ed.) by Matthew Alfs.  

General information on harvesting and using "weeds." 

When foraging for edible weeds, it is important to be sure that you are identifying the plants correctly. Some plants can be poisonous, so it is always best to err on the side of caution. If you are unsure about whether a plant is edible, it is best to leave it alone.

Collect from familiar areas, where pesticides are not used.  Do not collect plants from roadsides.  You do not know what, if any, chemicals have been used - not to mention runoff chemicals from the road.  

Many edible weeds have medicinal properties as well.  The properties could interact poorly with certain medications or health conditions.  Consult with your healthcare professional.  

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information on this blog is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a doctor before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

The author of this blog is not responsible for any damages or losses that may occur as a result of following the information on this blog. Do your due diligence when researching edible and medicinal plants.