Interesting Facts About Purple Dead Nettle
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It’s not actually a nettle.
Despite the name, Purple Dead Nettle isn’t related to stinging nettles and won’t sting you. The “dead” in its name refers to the fact that its leaves are soft and stingless. -
It’s part of the mint family.
With its square stem and slightly fuzzy leaves, it shares a family tree with peppermint and spearmint—but without the strong scent. -
It has no toxic lookalikes.
One of the safest wild plants for beginner foragers, its closest lookalike is henbit—and that’s edible too. -
The more purple, the less phosphorus in your soil.
Its vibrant purple top leaves can be an indicator that your soil is low in phosphorus. It’s not just beautiful—it’s a plant-based soil test! -
It’s an early spring superfood.
One of the first plants to pop up in late winter and early spring, Purple Dead Nettle offers vital nectar for bees and nutrients for us. It’s rich in Vitamin C, iron, and fiber. -
It supports your immune system.
Purple Dead Nettle has traditionally been used for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. -
You can use it fresh or dried.
Toss it into teas, infuse it in oils or vinegar, dry it for your apothecary shelf, or blend it into green powders. -
It grows almost everywhere.
From backyards to sidewalks and field edges, this wild healer is a common sight—once you know what you’re looking for. -
It makes a great poultice.
The leaves can be crushed and applied to minor cuts or wounds to soothe inflammation and help prevent infection. -
Bees love it.
Purple Dead Nettle blooms early when little else is flowering, making it an important food source for pollinators waking up from winter.
