Red dead-nettle

Lamium purpureum

Lamium purpureum, commonly known as purple deadnettle, is a flowering plant in the mint family (Lamiaceae). Despite its common name, it is not a true nettle and does not sting. Purple deadnettle is native to Europe and Asia but has become naturalized in many parts of North America. Here's an informative description of Lamium purpureum:

Appearance:

  1. Leaves:

    • The leaves are heart-shaped, opposite, and have a slightly serrated or scalloped edge.
    • The leaves are often tinged with purple or reddish coloration, especially on the upper side.

  2. Stems:

    • The square stems are typically purplish and have fine hairs.

  3. Flowers:

    • The whorls of tubular, pink to purple flowers are clustered in the leaf axils.
    • The flowers are two-lipped, with a hood-like upper lip and a three-lobed lower lip.

Identification:

  1. Distinctive Leaves:

    • The heart-shaped leaves with purple tinge are a key identifier.

  2. Square Stems:

    • Like many plants in the mint family, purple deadnettle has square stems.

  3. Whorls of Flowers:

    • The clustered arrangement of pink to purple flowers in the leaf axils is distinctive.

Habitat and Distribution:

  1. Habitat:

    • Purple deadnettle is often found in disturbed areas, gardens, fields, and along roadsides.

  2. Distribution:

    • Native to Europe and Asia, it has become widespread in North America and other parts of the world.

Life Cycle:

  1. Annual:

    • Purple deadnettle is an annual plant, completing its life cycle within a year.

  2. Flowering Period:

    • It typically blooms from early spring to late fall, depending on local climate conditions.

Ecological and Agricultural Importance:

  1. Pollinator Attraction:

    • The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, serving as a nectar source.

  2. Soil Cover:

    • Purple deadnettle can cover bare soil quickly, providing ground cover and preventing soil erosion.

Management:

  1. Cultural Practices:

    • Purple deadnettle is often considered a weed in cultivated areas. Cultural practices, such as regular mowing or tilling, can help control its growth.

  2. Herbicides:

    • Herbicides labeled for broadleaf weed control may be used for management in agricultural or landscaped areas.

  3. Hand Pulling:

    • In smaller garden settings, hand-pulling or hoeing can be effective for control.