Purple dead-nettle - Lamium purpureum (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Control)

Purple dead-nettle

Purple dead-nettle (Lamium purpureum) is an herbaceous annual weed, commonly found in meadows, wastes, gardens, and at the edges of roads and woodlands. Though it appears similar to true nettles, purple dead-nettle gets its name because it does not have "live" nettle poison that harms the skin. It originated in Asia and prefers environments with full sun.

Scientific classification

Species

Purple dead-nettle (Lamium purpureum)

Mints plantains olives and allies

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Weeds

Weed or not

Annual, Perennial, Biennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer

Bloom Time

Spring

Harvest Time

5 cm to 30 cm

Plant Height

20 cm

Spread

Purple

Leaf Color

1.02 cm to 2 cm

Flower Size

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Growth Season

Images of Purple dead-nettle

Distribution of Purple dead-nettle

Distribution Map

Purple dead-nettle is native to Europe, Scandinavia, across Russia, and south into North Africa via the Mediterranean. It has become naturalized in most of the United States, Argentina, Korea, and New Zealand. It grows in temperate climates in meadowlands, grasslands, and along forest edges.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Roadsides, waste places, cultivated land

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Symbolism

Confidence, courage, happiness, graceful persistence, clear thinking, emotional balance

Interesting Facts

Purple dead-nettle is one of the wildflowers that are staple foods for both wild and cultivated bees in temperate regions of Eurasia, especially for the hungry bumblebee queens during the peak of their breeding season. As Lamium purpureum can flower almost anytime, it provides continuous nourishment for pollinators during the spring, summer, and even autumn.

Name Story

Purple dead-nettle: Though it is similar to species of Urtica (true nettles) in appearance, it is not related to Urtica and does not sting. As the flowers are purple in color, the name is called purple dead-nettle.

Purple archangel: In some places, it’s known as the purple archangel. It is because it blooms around the Feast of the Apparition on May 8, which was when St. Michael, the archangel appeared as an onlooker at Mount Gargano in sixth-century in Italy.

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Weed Control

Purple dead-nettle is an annual plant native to mainland Europe and Asia, but it has been naturalized in the British Isles, Ireland, western US, and Canada. It is a cool-season plant. One of the first wildflowers to appear in the spring, it dries out and goes dormant during the summer and then starts growing again as the weather gets cooler. Its early seasonal appearance means that purple dead-nettle can outcompete the still-dormant lawn grasses and garden plants, which is why it may be considered weedy, especially outside. Still, it is an important early feed for bees and other pollinators.

How to Control It

The best time to remove 'purple dead-nettle' is during late winter or early spring, before the plant has produced flowers or seeds.

Manual Pulling: Start by watering the area around 'purple dead-nettle' to moisten the soil. This makes it easier to pull out the plant, ensuring that roots come out too. Grab the weed at its base and slowly pull it upward, keeping pressure steady to avoid breaking off the roots.
Smothering: Use a piece of cardboard or thick layers of newspaper and cover the 'purple dead-nettle'. Ensure that there are no gaps for light to penetrate. Over time, lack of sunlight will kill the weed.
Vinegar Application: Fill a spray bottle with standard household white vinegar. Spray it directly onto the 'purple dead-nettle', soaking the foliage and the ground around it. The acetic acid in the vinegar will destroy the weed.
Boiling Water: Carefully pour boiling water directly onto the 'purple dead-nettle'. The heat will kill the plant and its roots. This method is best used on a calm day to prevent wind from blowing the boiling water onto other plants.
Use of a Weed Torch: Aim the weed torch at the 'purple dead-nettle' and apply heat. This method is only suitable for areas clear of dry vegetation or other flammable material to prevent accidental fires.

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Quickly Identify Purple dead-nettle

Square stems distinguish purple dead-nettle from round-stemmed plants, aiding in easy plant identification.

Heart-shaped leaves with a purple tint atop provide a unique visual cue for purple dead-nettle.

Distinctive hooded top petal on purplish flowers in whorls at leaf axils characterize purple dead-nettle.

Opposite leaf pairs with lower petioles set purple dead-nettle apart from similar species.

Leaves exhibit crowded, overlapping arrangement, with wavy to serrated margins and pronounced veins.

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Care Guide for Purple dead-nettle

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Purple dead-nettle originates from a temperate climate, thriving in moist, well-drained soil. It requires weekly watering but is drought-tolerant, preferring consistent moisture. Its growth cycle is influenced by rainfall patterns, crucial for its seasonal water uptake and overall health.

Fertilize: Purple dead-nettle thrives in poor soil, requiring minimal fertilizer. Incorporating compost before planting meets its nutritional needs. For slow growth, a balanced fertilizer (N-P-K = 10-10-10) can enhance development.

Pruning: To promote rapid branching in purple dead-nettle, prune top shoots post-bloom or pre-spring. Late summer may require cutting back one-third of dense branches to enhance air circulation and light exposure. Trim faded leaves promptly to maintain ornamental value and prevent diseases.

Propagation: Purple dead-nettle propagates easily through spring sowing, requiring minimal care. Look for young seedlings with vibrant purple tops as a sign of success. Ensure the soil remains moist during the germination process.

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Images of Purple dead-nettle

Distribution of Purple dead-nettle

Culture

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Purple dead-nettle

Care Guide for Purple dead-nettle

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