A common non-native wildflower, purple deadnettle (Lamium purpureum) is also known as red deadnettle or red henbit. Due to its propensity to spring up in lawns, it is generally considered an unwanted weed, and by some accounts is considered invasive in New England. Like other members of the mint family (Lamiaceae), purple deadnettle has a square stem and opposite leaves. The small tube-like flowers arranged in whorls at the apex of the plant range from pink to purple. The upper leaves also range from purple to reddish in color, giving rise to the plant’s various common names. The term ‘deadnettle’ refers to the plant’s resemblance stinging nettle, which can cause a painful irritation if touched. However, because Lamium species lack stinging hairs, they are considered safe to touch. In other words, their stinging abilities are ‘dead’.

The leaves of purple deadnettle are edible, and can be eaten raw in salads or smoothies, or can be cooked like spinach. Although it is an annual and each plant is generally short lived, the seeds can germinate at almost any time during the growing season, and so fresh leaves can be found through much of the summer.