Dead nettle is a common wild plant found in many environments, often overlooked but offering both culinary and traditional uses. Understanding how to properly identify, harvest, and utilize this resilient plant allows individuals to incorporate it into their diet or home remedies.
Identifying Dead Nettle
Dead nettle, particularly purple dead nettle (Lamium purpureum), can be recognized by several distinct features. It belongs to the mint family, possessing a square stem that can be felt by gently rolling it between your fingers. The leaves are arranged oppositely along the stem and often have a heart-shaped or triangular form with scalloped edges.
The plant’s leaves are covered in fine hairs, giving them a somewhat fuzzy texture. A key characteristic is the purplish-red tint often seen on the upper leaves and flowering tops, which gives the plant its common name. Small, tubular flowers, typically pink or purple, grow in whorls around the stem. Dead nettle typically grows low to the ground, reaching heights of about 8 to 10 inches, and does not sting unlike true nettles.
When and Where to Harvest Dead Nettle
Dead nettle is often one of the first plants to emerge in spring, making it an early season foraging opportunity. While tender young leaves are ideal for harvesting in early spring, the plant continues to grow and can be gathered throughout the spring and summer months.
Look for dead nettle in lawns, gardens, fields, and along the edges of roadsides and trails. It thrives in sunny spots with moist, well-draining soil. When selecting a harvesting site, avoid areas that may have been contaminated by pesticides, herbicides, vehicle exhaust, or animal waste. Always ensure you have permission if harvesting on private land, and remember to leave a portion of the patch undisturbed to allow for regeneration and to support local pollinators, as bees are particularly attracted to its early blooms.
How to Harvest Dead Nettle
Harvesting dead nettle involves selecting the most desirable parts of the plant. The tender top sprigs, including the young leaves and flowers, are generally preferred for their milder flavor and softer texture. While the entire plant is edible, older stems can become tougher.
To harvest, snip the stems about half an inch above the ground using scissors or simply pinch them off with your fingers. Gently shake the harvested plant to dislodge any loose dirt or small insects before placing it in your collection container.
Preparing and Storing Harvested Dead Nettle
Once harvested, proper preparation and storage maintain the quality and extend the usability of dead nettle. Begin by inspecting the plant for any signs of powdery mildew, a fungal disease that appears as white specks on the leaves, and discard affected plants. Gently rinse the collected dead nettle under cool water to remove any remaining dirt or insects, but avoid soaking it for extended periods, as this can make the plant mushy and impact its flavor.
For immediate use, lay the rinsed dead nettle on a clean towel to air dry. For longer-term storage, drying is an effective method. You can air dry the leaves and flowering tops by spreading them flat on an herb drying rack in a well-ventilated area.
Alternatively, a food dehydrator set to a low temperature (around 95–105°F) can dry the plant in 6 to 8 hours. Once thoroughly dry, the leaves and tops should crumble easily. Store dried dead nettle in airtight glass jars in a cool, dark location, where it can remain potent for up to two years.
Common Uses for Dead Nettle
Dead nettle offers a variety of applications, ranging from culinary additions to traditional remedies. The leaves and flowers can be eaten raw, providing a mild, earthy flavor that can be incorporated into salads. They are also well-suited for cooking and can be added to pestos, smoothies, soups, stir-fries, and casseroles, serving as a nutrient-dense substitute for spinach or other leafy greens.
Beyond culinary uses, dead nettle has a history in traditional practices. It has been used to make teas and infusions. Traditionally, it has been noted for properties such as being astringent, diuretic, and diaphoretic. The plant’s leaves have also been applied topically as poultices for minor wounds or skin irritations. Dead nettle is also a source of vitamins A and C, and iron.