The purple dead-nettle plant is a member of the mint family and it’s very widespread. It forms early ground cover mats with fuzzy spade shaped leaves, and delicate pink flowers that make an amazing addition to spring weed bouquets!
Finding it is worth the search. You’ll be glad you did, and these are just a few of the reasons why:
1. Purple dead-nettle is a wild, edible green
If you are looking for an easy way to get your daily dose of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants this plant is the answer.
Purple dead-nettle is a must in any green enthusiast’s diet, and tastes just as good when added to salads or soups.
The flavor profile of this plant can be described as mild with notes that give way to floral flavors – but not too strong. You can add it to your salads, soups, smoothies, on top of oatmeal, or simply make tea out of it!
2. Purple dead-nettle is highly nutritious
This amazing plant is very nutritious. It’s full of vitamins, especially vitamin C, iron and fiber, while the oil from its seeds contains powerful antioxidants!
3. Purple dead-nettle offers a host of medicinal benefits
The purple deadnettle is a strong diuretic and anti-inflammatory. It’s also an antibacterial, antifungal herb with properties to protect allergy sufferers, and works as a protection from secondary infections of the throat or bronchi.
The leaves of this plant can stop you from bleeding and boost your immune system, too! The vitamin C in its fruit contains anti-inflammatory properties that help fight infections.
4. Purple dead nettle benefits the bees
The first plants bees go to in the spring are purple dead nettle plants. If you live somewhere with mild winters, it might provide vital bee forage all year round!
How to grow your own:
To start your own plant, you can use seeds found on wild plants. Spread them in fall and cover with mulch. There are also specialty seed houses like Sand Mountain Herbs that carry these types of plants so they’re not too difficult to find.
Purple dead-nettle is a plant that thrives in full sun, partial shade or even full shade. If you live in an area where it gets hot and dry make sure not burn this guy’s leaves. Purple dead-nettle needs moist soil with lots of nutrients for his roots.