Purple Archangel (Lamium purpureum) is a widespread annual plant often found in gardens and disturbed areas. Though frequently considered a common weed due to its prolific growth, this mint family member offers surprising benefits. It establishes quickly, providing ecological advantages and various uses beyond its perceived nuisance.
Identifying Purple Archangel
Purple Archangel has distinct physical characteristics. It typically grows 2 to 16 inches tall with square stems. Its heart-shaped or broadly triangular leaves have a wrinkled appearance, scalloped margins, and fine hairs. They are arranged oppositely along the stem, with each pair rotated 90 degrees from the one below.
A key feature is its foliage color, transitioning from green at the base to purplish, especially on younger leaves near the top. Small, tubular flowers, pink to reddish-purple, emerge in clusters from leaf axils and the stem’s apex. These flowers have a hooded upper lip and a two-lobed lower lip. Unlike true nettles, it lacks stinging hairs, earning it the name “dead nettle.”
Where Purple Archangel Thrives
Purple Archangel is an adaptable plant, common across many regions. Native to Eurasia, it has naturalized widely in North America and other parts of the world. It prefers disturbed soils, often appearing in open areas, gardens, agricultural fields, roadsides, and waste grounds.
It tolerates various soil types, thriving best in moist, fertile, well-drained loamy or clay-loam soils with ample organic matter. As a winter annual, it emerges and completes growth early in spring, often before other plants, giving it an advantage in resource capture. It tolerates full sun to partial shade, and its rapid growth cycle quickly produces seeds, contributing to its widespread presence.
Managing Purple Archangel in the Garden
Gardeners can control Purple Archangel using several practical approaches. Manual weeding is effective, especially in moist soil, as its shallow root system makes removal easy. Remove the entire plant, including roots, to prevent regrowth and dispose of it properly to avoid spreading seeds. Consistent hand-pulling before flowering and seeding significantly reduces its presence.
Applying mulch suppresses Purple Archangel growth by blocking sunlight and inhibiting seed germination. Thick organic mulch maintains soil moisture and improves soil health. Maintaining a dense, healthy lawn or garden naturally deters Purple Archangel, as thick plant cover leaves less space for weeds.
For larger infestations, apply pre-emergent herbicides in fall to prevent seed germination. Alternatively, use post-emergent herbicides on actively growing plants in early spring, mindful of compatibility with other garden plants.
Beneficial Uses of Purple Archangel
Beyond its reputation as a garden weed, Purple Archangel offers several beneficial culinary and traditional uses. Its young leaves and flowers are edible and can be incorporated into various dishes. They have a mild, earthy flavor, comparable to spinach, and can be used raw in salads or cooked in soups, stir-fries, or omelets. The plant is a source of vitamins (A, C, K) and minerals (iron, calcium, magnesium). Its seeds contain antioxidants.
Historically, Purple Archangel has been used in traditional remedies for its medicinal properties. It is noted for being astringent, diuretic, and diaphoretic. Topical applications of crushed leaves soothe skin irritations, insect bites, and minor wounds, and help staunch bleeding due to its antiseptic and astringent qualities. Teas made from the plant support the immune system, alleviate mild digestive issues, and address respiratory ailments like coughs and colds. When foraging or using Purple Archangel, accurate identification is important, and sourcing from pesticide-free areas is advised.