Red Dead Nettle, Purple deadnettle

Lamium purpureum

Physical Characteristics

Lamium purpureum is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from March to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to the Mediterranean and Israel.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Young leaves - raw or cooked as a potherb[2, 4, 5, 8, 54, 62, 183]. The plant is a short-lived annual, but seeds can germinate at almost any time of the year and so the leaves are often available all year round.

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Diaphoretic Diuretic Purgative Styptic The whole plant is astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, purgative and styptic. A decoction of the plant is particularly useful for checking any kind of haemorrhage, whilst the fresh bruised leaves can be applied to external cuts and wounds.

Known Hazards

None known