How to Identify Purple Dead Nettle - Lamium purpureum

Hey guys in this video we'll take a look at a very common plant that's easy to identify, known as Purple Dead Nettle, or Lamium purpureum. Purple Dead Nettle is frequently found in lawns, gardens, fields, edges of roadsides and edges of trails. Like its name implies the plant has purple flowers and even the leaves on the top of the plant will have a purple coloration to them. Though it's called a nettle, it doesn't actually sting like a regular Stinging Nettle would. The leaves of this plant are spade shaped with rounded teeth running along the margins. Being in the Mint family it has other characteristics that other mints carry, like having a square stem and an opposite leafing pattern. There are two shapes of leaves you will find on this plant. On the top of the plant are the spade shaped leaves mentioned earlier, and at the base of the plant the leaves will be more heart shaped, somewhat reminiscent of young Garlic Mustard leaves. Though it's in the mint family it doesn't have any minty flavor, instead it's more peppery and grass like, so be aware of that when you use it in salads. This plant is edible and medicinal and is frequently used in teas and salves.

[@GeckoHiker]

In the Ozarks, I collect Purple Dead Nettles and make a pesto with sunflower seeds, garlic, and walnut oil to eat right away or freeze into cubes for pasta dishes later. It's really good fresh on grilled morels!

[@nlbhaduri]

It would be lovely to have your entire recipe for that pesto!

[@barbaramashburn7980]

🎉so cool. Appreciate More information 🎉

[@ellyketchum3290]

Yeah I'm also here for the recipe please thank you :)

[@MoniMeka]

Can I have the entire recipe? This stuff grows everywhere in my hometown in Mississippi! I have eaten it raw, but it taste like dirt to me. Lol. I need a recipe or somethin'! 😂😂😂😂

[@Striker9]

I would love a recipe also 😆 that sounds really good

[@amberadams2074]

I loved this flower when I was a kid, I used to gather little bouquets of it in the Spring. Little did I know I was harvesting food!

[@TrilliumWildEdibles]

Loads of plants are like that, but hey, now you know!

[@user-rn3rn6nl3h]

My daughter does the same

[@ellyketchum3290]

You can take the flowers and suck out the nectar

[@user-rn3rn6nl3h]

@@ellyketchum3290 like honeysuckle?

[@dragonflyone100]

@@ellyketchum3290 I did too!!

[@MiltonRoe]

I have been wondering what this cute little plant in my yard was for years and never got around to looking it up. It's so attractive, I figured it was some perennial that escaped a garden. So exciting to know it is a native wildflower.

[@RagnaroksHomesteading]

We have entire raised beds of purple dead nettle every Spring. Great information, thanks for sharing. 🌲🦌🌲

[@racqfitness7028]

Wow... thank you! 😊 if we just pay attention, food is right in our backyard. 👏🏾 🙌🏾 👏🏾

[@TrilliumWildEdibles]

You're very welcome! Absolutely! There's so much food right under our feet and it's super healthy for us too!

[@Besidethecrime]

All over my yard…. I can’t wait to use this in salves & teas. 😎 Thank you.

[@happy.homestead]

Thank-you! I just found a lot of this growing out in the area where my quail cage is. I had a run in over a decade ago with stinging nettle that found its way into my yard when I had manure dropped from a farm in town. Holy moly!! I had no idea of stinging nettle. I'd never heard of it. My legs were on fire for a good week. It was like someone had scrubbed insulation fibers into my legs. When I saw this growing around the area of the quail cage, I didn't want to end up in a bad way again! This video couldn't have been posted at a better time! I was a little unsure when I bent down and examined the plants, because under the flowers, on the stems, are soft spikes. So, I was terrified I was going to have a problem out there! Thanks so much for a great video. Now, I want to try some in a salad!

[@susanblack7782]

I can only imagine what you went through with the Stinging Nettle. I don’t blame you for being cautious of Dead Nettle and imagining the worst scenario, lol! This guy is very well versed in Plant knowledge and lectures to the point and on point.

[@pimpnick4920]

If you know what jewel weed is rub it on your legs. The pain goes away instantly. The burr plant that looks like rhubarb works too.

[@melissacross9394]

Excellent description and visuals. We have this on our acreage, so happy to know it is edible. Thank you so much. Your a great teacher.

[@bobs5596]

the name doesn't give me a lot of confidence...

[@MoniMeka]

@@bobs5596 it's called dead nettle because it doesn't sting.

[@imarrywhales]

I came across this video this morning. I was fascinated bc just yesterday I was walking along the roadside and I found a bunch of this plant. I stopped to smell it. I wondered if it was medicinal. Now I know it is! I'll go back with a basket and collect some!

[@laurenwyatt]

I have this growing in my yard right now and left it because I thought it was pretty! So cool to know more about it 😃

[@janhoffman5624]

I was working in my back yard over the weekend and noticed a lot of this plant all over the yard. Thank you so much for this video. It taught me a lot, and now I know what I'm looking at! I also live in South Central Indiana. Very cool and I am so happy to support a local channel on wild plants!

[@TrilliumWildEdibles]

Nice, I'm glad this was helpful for you! It's always great to have another Hoosier here!

[@begoodbebetterbeblessedix3766]

Hoosier too! Waves 👋 to my new found neighbors on KZbin

[@TrilliumWildEdibles]

Hello there neighbor!

[@tjmattingly33]

I'm from central Indiana as well, I see fields of it off of Hwy 40 and I love the color.

[@notmyworld44]

Excellent video with good clear visuals and straight-to-the-point scripted narration. I've always had difficulty distinguishing this plant from henbit. You get my 👍

[@TrilliumWildEdibles]

Really glad to hear you enjoyed the video!

[@Sue-ec6un]

What I like best about it is that I can let it run rampant throughout my yard in the early spring and it magically disappears just as the grass is full and lush. I did not know until last week that it was edible! Live and learn, as you learn to live better :)

[@theimperfectpantry5936]

Your identification videos are the best out there! Thanks for all the great info.

[@gordaro2828]

Thanks, man...I live on Vancouver Island and was stumped by this plant. The square stalk was the key to identification. A mint, yes. Great production. Cheers from B.C. (Canada)

[@awesomemermaid2796]

I love how you show its look alike:)

[@TrilliumWildEdibles]

Glad to hear you liked that!

[@grantkeller8024]

Your videos are always helpful and very well done. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Much love and respect... Peace.

[@RealBradMiller]

I was admiring this stuff the other day!! I love when it grows around cement steps.

[@Tinyteacher1111]

I have those that have taken over some of my garden beds, and I’ve been pulling those out!oops! I thought they were creeping Charlie. What a great description! Thank you!

[@r0se_777]

Looks like self heal! Thanks for this✨They are both such special & healing herbs🌼🙏🌸

[@aseedforyourthought6913]

Yeah that's what I was thinking looks just like all heal

[@moravakmoravske2336]

When we were kids me and my friends used to pick these and chew on the sweet flowers, good times

[@ladyc8426]

I love the color purple ! Thanks for sharing👍💜

[@whysprs]

Welcome back Josh, glad to see when you post. Purple dead nettle ive been watching since about the first of march thia year but finally bloomed earlier this week right after the grape hyacinth did

[@TrilliumWildEdibles]

Yeah mine just started blooming about a week ago as well. It's always nice seeing you in the comments!

[@ljtminihomestead5839]

Thank you, I always wondered what it was. Keep trying to identify everything in my yard.

[@playground2583]

got this growin on my front lawn. i use it in my tea along with the broad leaf plantain, wild green onions, dandelions n a few other things in my tea

[@TrilliumWildEdibles]

Sounds interesting but delicious!

[@playground2583]

@@TrilliumWildEdibles thank yas. i try not to use way to much cause as far as i know its high in iron

[@carolinekinney2364]

I was looking at this plant yesterday in my yard wondering if it was edible and this morning I got my answer thanks to you! It’s good to know if food shortages were to continually get worse what we can eat that grows in the wild. Ty so much!

[@theresaburkhart2159]

Awesome...just subscribed.....loved your straight to the point no fluff delivery of information. Shared your site to friends & family

[@April-eg2rc]

🌞I really enjoy your channel - thank you for the clear concise info

[@LaLaLonna]

Im in Nashville, TN and I have a ton of this and chickweed in my backyard. When i moved to this home i got a plant identifier app and figured every plant and tree i have in my backyard.

[@Crowhillgal]

Your presentation is in depth, and the information you impart is invaluable to me. I really learn a lot from you. Thank you so much!

[@susanblack7782]

I love Henbit and Dead Nettle! I let them bloom out before I think of mowing. Also, the wild Violets, I let bloom out. I had no idea Dead Nettle is a wild edible!!! I shall try it in a salad this Spring. Thanks and I love your Channel content.

[@TrilliumWildEdibles]

Glad it was helpful for you!

[@dogslobbergardens-hv2wf]

You're doing it right :) It's wise to let those helpful plants grow out and ensure seed for next year before mowing.

[@ajarnt9050]

Wow! This video has so much info. Thank you for sharing!

[@TrilliumWildEdibles]

You're very welcome!

[@melsterifficmama1808]

I'll go looking this weekend, thanks!

[@TrilliumWildEdibles]

Good luck, they're everywhere right now across most the U.S.

[@allen3784]

I’ve observed Bumblebees consistently feed on Purple Dead nettle but not other bee species.

[@bobs5596]

yes, bumble bees love it. there could be a dozen or more working a patch in the woods. i remember a place we called ''bee island ''as kids.it wasn't an island, just a very large patch of dead nettle loaded with bumble bees. we were afraid to walk through it because of them.

[@amandabrown1045]

Ty sooo much for this video! I’ve been trying to id this one for years now. I have heard it called catmint. I’m so very pleased to find that it’s edible and medicinal! Ty again! ❤

[@sheliadean9548]

Thank you for sharing this information with us

[@TrilliumWildEdibles]

You're very welcome!

[@222mmax]

Thank you Josh. God bless you

[@TheeJoieDeVivreGarden]

So happy your channel found me!

[@rosacanina5353]

Thank you,just noticed this plant today not knowing what it was. Of course it's going to stay and hopefully propagate.😊

[@roxannepearls901]

Nice to finally know what has taken over my yard

[@ANPC-pi9vu]

This is a wildflower I always admired. Cool to know it's an edible herb!

[@alexanderboyer7720]

More like a weed the way it takes over.

[@r0se_777]

@@alexanderboyer7720 weeds=herbs!

[@clarysagequartz9535]

Thank you! Always saw this as a kid and now I know!

[@revnook]

Looking at some in my yard right now. Nice.

[@auntiepam5649]

Thank you I was just trying to identify this plant.

[@PastorIhaza]

Fantastic video🏆🏆🏆 I took plenty of screenshots to help me choose wisely👍🏾

[@joycemiller7908]

Oh, geez, yeah. Tons of that blooming all over my yard. I love them; so pretty. I thought it was useful, but couldn't remember exactly how.

[@citylotgardening6171]

I'm also from central Indiana thanks for your videos and your channel friend it's very helpful 👍

[@barbaramashburn7980]

Thanks for the heads up. I'm happy both are or edible

[@SubparFiddle]

This is the first spring that I’ve been into foraging and eating wild edible plants, and these things are so good! I’ve started to develop a taste for them, learning how to identify the best tasting ones. They’re surprisingly juicy!

[@ginatate3098]

Thanks for sharing knowledgeable lesson Excellent informative presentation Please do many more😊

[@johnneobobble9419]

Thank you so much, I've been trying to figure out what that was in my backyard.

[@Makdjor]

nice video. this plant has a smell i associate with a musty smell. beyond earthy. grave like.

[@teresaroman3348]

I had some of this pop up in my yard and was hoping to identify it. Thank you.

[@madisonn3809]

I have so much of this growing by my house! I wondered if it had medicinal properties. thank you very much, very informative!

[@marvymarier8988]

I always admired how beautiful they were.

[@jeremybertram5575]

Thanks from southeast Kentucky.

[@reddog6415]

This plant is all over my yard. I'm going to try it thanks.

[@TrilliumWildEdibles]

You're very welcome! Be aware it's not the tastiest thing I've ever eaten but it's highly nutritious and easily available.

[@lilolmecj]

I have had these in my yards in several completely different regions! Good to know what their uses are.

[@christopherleubner6633]

This stuff grows all over Arkansas. The bees love it 😁❤

[@catherinew452]

Thanks buddy! north east indiana. Checking in... all kinds of real food coming up in my yard right now. Praise God

[@lornabartlett2744]

Yes thanks for sharing this with us. I now know this plant, Dead nettle and the kin similar to clarify between the nettle. 😮

[@TrilliumWildEdibles]

Glad to be of some help!

[@tracycrider7778]

I have a yard full of this!

[@MichaelR58]

Good video , thanks for sharing , God bless !

[@TrilliumWildEdibles]

You're very welcome!

[@mr.zardoz3344]

Excellent video!

[@TrilliumWildEdibles]

Thank you!

[@l.s.5471]

I'll have been in my apt for a year this upcoming June. As I experience my first Spring Season here, I'm seeing my first 4x4 section of outdoor space coming up PDN . I was delighted to see that, and as a medicine maker I'm looking forward to harvesting some for tea, and maybe even add some to a salad. ! Thank you for being extremely thorough, although I feel that if you're going to mention its medicinal capabilities that maybe you could elaborate and include a few remedies these plants would be good for!

[@mikkigold]

I appreciate your video ✌️🙏💜

[@Lana-the-Mess]

Used to eat the bottoms of the flowers when I was a kid. Tiny bit o' sweetness.

[@alecdoyle6268]

I will Lear more. As long as I watch and learn from your knowledge.

[@CapitanFantasma1776]

Great! Thanks!

[@violetteviolette3872]

Thank you from Grenoble France😊

[@selfreliantfarmer]

What an awesome channel my friend

[@wolfthornpubg7237]

The flowers have a sweet taste as well

[@stucknousernames]

As a kid I would pick the flowers, there very sweet.

[@MoniMeka]

Yes, this is one of the most beautiful wild plants I ever seen. I really think it's the most beautiful. Lol.

[@angiejones3714]

Always the best identification videos too bad you're not in the PNW we have so many microclimate here.

[@wildedibles819]

We have cultivated varieties in many colours of flowers and leaf pattern and white patterning on the leaves Beautiful flower to have around and they come up so early it's a great plant for pollinaters Very hardy

[@Susweca5569]

I live in the Pacific Northwest, and that's everywhere around me and in my yard.

[@tracycrider7778]

Southeast here and same!

[@Romasulmona]

I didn't know what it was dead nettles...I have stinging nettles....now I know that I can snip some and enjoy it in my veggie salad....great start of spring .......nature she's so amazing to me....free f ood all for me right here anytime ....peace❤ ✌️ be kind to mother nature...❤

[@AdelardRen]

This video showed up in my feed so timely. I was actually just wondering what that plant was. Or grows with great abundance in my yard, and I didn't know the name. I took a botany class at one point, so knew it was likely in the mint family, but it has no scent that I can detect, and that threw me off a bit. I wasn't really sure how to look it up, and was planning on pulling out my plant books at some point. Now to see if I can give it to my chickens. Thank you!

[@kolapyellow7631]

It's taking over my lawn too.

[@Earthy-Artist]

Someone in the neighbor hood had an entire front lawn filled with these pretty little plants & then they mowed them down. I had no idea until now what the name of them was or that they are edible, I don't think the people who mowed them down had any idea either.

[@morninglight7544]

Thanks!

[@stevenartascos2918]

Ok good video, tell us more about nettles benefits please!

[@StarDreamMemories]

Thank you

[@suziehartwright]

Thanks! 😉 👍

[@ridgehilljillie9429]

Thanks for this video. I thought it was the Creeping Charlie gone wild. I will be harvesting and drying.

[@TrilliumWildEdibles]

You're very welcome and good luck and happy foraging!

[@OffGridInvestor]

I SAW THIS while I was out at a certain location LOADED with wild edibles and medicinals. I saw wild lettuce, broad and standard plantain and even young kangaroo apple plants (which is why I was there in the first place), also hoping to find appleberry. If I think something rings a bell, I just take a photo. And THIS WAS THERE and I sensed I should get a photo.

[@robertb4744]

There is so much to learn. I know book learning is very important. Are there any books you’d recommend?

[@kamoonrathewolfgod9189]

I live in North Georgia and we have a lot of the Hen Bit growing everywhere. I was just at Home Depot and noticed they were selling Dead Nettle. Wish I had of bought some now.

[@jesperbrrupnielsen7793]

as a kid, here in denmark, we used to call them honey nettles. we would pick the little purple flower and suck out the nectar :)

[@IvanOoze1990]

When I was a kid I used to pick the purple flowers out and eat the white part for the tiny little sugary taste.

[@dogslobbergardens-hv2wf]

Our rabbits absolutely love PDN. They benefit from the vitamins and minerals just as people do.

[@jillhumphrys8073]

Glad to know this is edible!

[@focusedontruth4862]

These are all over my yard and my baby eats them whenever we play outside!🌿😋

[@dsiepiela6449]

Thanks.

[@TrilliumWildEdibles]

You're very welcome!

[@christyh5619]

just found your channel. i love your content. new sub ♡. sw IN here.

[@sonalpatel6119]

Thank

[@ediemurray1692]

Tysvm

[@TrilliumWildEdibles]

You're so very welcome!

[@Stella2U]

Thank you for the video.Are all parts of the plant edible?

[@shellariddle324]

Thank you, I did

[@TrilliumWildEdibles]

That's great to hear!