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Dead Nettles
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Dead Nettles
On a sunny day white dead nettle, Lamium album, flowers can have a reserve of nectar at the base, if you have beaten the bees to them.
Dead nettles have no sting but probably evolved to look like stinging nettles as a defence against predators.
| Hedgerow Type | |
| Common Names | White Dead Nettle, Red or Purple Dead Nettle, Yellow archangel, Henbit Dead Nettle |
| Scientific Name | Lamium sp |
| Season Start | Jan |
| Season End | Dec |
Please note that each and every hedgerow item you come across may vary in appearance to these photos.
Leaves
Green, nettle like arrow shaped leaves with very serrated edges, the underneath covered in small non-stinging hairs with some on top. Growing in pairs on opposite sides of the stalk.
Flowers
Beautiful orchid like flowers growing in groups around the stem varying in colour from white to yellow to red/purple.
Flower Buds
All in a circle around the stem at the leaf nodes.
Stem
Tough, square stems. Very fibrous and covered in small non-stinging hairs. Green to red/purple.
Habitat
Woodland, hedgerows, the edge of commons, roadsides and paths.
Possible Confusion
Taste
Slightly like spinach when cooked but has a flavour of its own.
Frequency
Common.
Collecting
Only young leaves or bright green tops of larger plants are usable for cooking unless flaming over a fire when more of the plant can be used.
The flowers can hold a drop of nectar and make a pleasant tasting and looking addition to a salad.
Medicinal Uses
Has been used as a herbal remedy for skin problems.
