Purple Dead Nettle (\(Lamium purpureum\)) is a familiar sight across lawns and gardens, often appearing as one of the first weeds in early spring. This annual plant, native to Europe and Asia, has successfully naturalized across much of the world, including North America, where it thrives in disturbed soil. Its early appearance and distinctive purple-tinged foliage frequently lead people to wonder about its safety, especially since its common name suggests danger.
Toxicity Status: The Definitive Answer
Purple Dead Nettle is overwhelmingly considered non-poisonous and safe for consumption by both humans and animals. There are no reports of systemic toxicity from this plant, which is a member of the Lamiaceae, or mint, family. The confusion stems from the word “nettle,” which causes people to associate it with Stinging Nettle (\(Urtica dioica\)), an entirely different plant that causes a temporary, painful rash. Purple Dead Nettle is called “dead” because it lacks the stinging hairs, or trichomes, that characterize its namesake. While the plant is chemically non-toxic, consuming very large quantities of any wild green may lead to mild digestive upset, which is a mechanical issue rather than poisoning.
Correct Identification of the Plant
A definitive identifying feature of Purple Dead Nettle, characteristic of the mint family, is its distinctively square-shaped stem. You can easily confirm this by rolling the stem between your fingers. The leaves grow in an opposite arrangement along the stem, with the lower leaves often being heart-shaped and green. Moving up the plant, the clustered upper leaves become spade-shaped and take on the characteristic purplish or reddish-pink hue. The plant produces tiny, hooded, pinkish-purple tubular flowers that appear in whorls around the upper sections of the stem.
It is important to distinguish Purple Dead Nettle from the true Stinging Nettle, which has round stems and is covered in fine, stinging hairs. Purple Dead Nettle is also often mistaken for its close relative, Henbit (\(Lamium amplexicaule\)). Henbit’s upper leaves wrap directly around the stem, a feature absent in Purple Dead Nettle.
Edibility and Nutritional Profile
Since Purple Dead Nettle is non-toxic, it has a long history of use as an edible wild plant. The young leaves and flowering tops are the preferred parts for culinary application, offering a mild, slightly earthy flavor profile. They can be consumed raw or cooked.
The greens can be added to fresh salads or blended into smoothies, and they also work well as a cooked green in soups, stews, or stir-fries. Beyond flavor, the plant is notable for its nutritional density. It is an excellent source of beneficial compounds, including high levels of Vitamin C and Vitamin A.
Purple Dead Nettle also contains important minerals like iron, magnesium, and calcium. Furthermore, the plant is rich in antioxidants, such as polyphenols and the flavonoid quercetin, contributing to its overall nutritional value.