If you’ve ever spotted a patch of purple-tinged plants growing in your yard, garden, or along a trail, chances are you’ve seen purple dead nettle—a wild plant often mistaken for a pesky weed. But don’t be too quick to yank it out! This humble herb is actually a nutritional and medicinal gem hiding in plain sight.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to recognize purple dead nettle and explore all the amazing ways you can put it to good use.
What Exactly Is Purple Dead Nettle?
Despite the name, purple dead nettle isn’t a true nettle at all. It’s part of the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is best known for its fuzzy, heart-shaped leaves and tiny purple flowers.
The “dead” in its name refers to the fact that, unlike stinging nettle, it won’t irritate your skin. It’s also one of the first plants to bloom in spring, making it a favorite among bees and other pollinators.
How to Identify Purple Dead Nettle
If you’re planning to harvest it, being able to spot it accurately is key. Here’s what to look for:
1. Leaves
- Shape: Heart-shaped with scalloped or slightly toothed edges
- Texture: Soft and fuzzy to the touch
- Color: Upper leaves usually show a purplish or reddish hue; lower ones are greener
- Placement: Leaves grow in pairs opposite each other along the stem
2. Stem
- Square-shaped (a telltale mint family trait)
- Slightly hairy or fuzzy appearance
3. Flowers
- Small, tubular, and purplish-pink
- Cluster at the top of the plant
- Blooms early spring through fall, but peak season is spring
4. Height and Growth Pattern
- Low-growing, usually 5–12 inches tall
- Spreads easily into thick ground cover
5. Where It Grows
- Thrives in disturbed soil—think lawns, gardens, roadside edges, and open fields
- Tolerates poor or dry soil but prefers moisture
Look-alikes to watch out for:
- Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule) – Similar but with rounded, petiole-less leaves
- Stinging nettle or red clover – Different leaf shapes and lack the square stem and clustered purple flowers
Is Purple Dead Nettle Safe to Eat?
Absolutely! The leaves, flowers, and stems are all edible. They’re full of vitamins A and C, iron, antioxidants, and beneficial plant compounds. The taste is mild, slightly sweet, and a bit earthy—perfect for springtime recipes.
For best flavor, pick the tender young leaves before the plant flowers heavily.
Medicinal Uses of Purple Dead Nettle
Purple dead nettle has a long history in folk medicine, thanks to its antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties. Some common uses include:
- Wound care: Crushed into a poultice for minor cuts and scrapes
- Seasonal allergy relief: Acts as a natural antihistamine
- Pain relief: Can help with mild joint aches and swelling
- Immune support: Nutrient-rich and loaded with antioxidants
6 Awesome Ways to Use Purple Dead Nettle
Once you know what you’re looking for, you’ll start noticing this plant everywhere—and there are plenty of practical ways to enjoy it!
1. Culinary Uses
a. Add to Salads
- Use raw, young leaves for a pop of color and nutrition
- Great mixed with greens like arugula, dandelion, or baby spinach
Tip: Harvest early in the season for the best texture and flavor.
b. Toss Into Smoothies or Juices
- A small handful adds nutrients and subtle flavor
- Pairs well with fruits like pineapple, apple, or citrus
How to prep:
- Rinse well
- Start with a small amount
- Blend with juicy fruits and a splash of lemon
c. Cook Like Spinach
- Sauté with garlic, toss into soups or omelets
- Delicious in stir-fries and egg dishes
d. Make a Wild Pesto
- Blend with garlic, lemon, olive oil, and seeds or nuts
- Great on pasta, toast, or roasted veggies
2. Soothing Herbal Tea
Benefits:
- Helps with seasonal allergies
- Mild detox and immune support
- Can soothe inflammation and sore throats
How to brew it:
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp fresh leaves/flowers (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 cup hot water
Instructions:
- Rinse and bruise leaves
- Steep in hot (not boiling) water for 7–10 minutes
- Strain and enjoy with honey or lemon
Optional add-ins: Chamomile, peppermint, or lemon balm
3. Make a Tincture (Natural Immune Booster)
You’ll need:
- Fresh leaves and flowers
- 40% alcohol (like vodka)
- Glass jar with lid
- Dropper bottle for storage
How to make it:
- Fill jar halfway with chopped plant
- Cover completely with alcohol
- Seal and label with the date
- Let sit in a dark place for 4–6 weeks, shaking occasionally
- Strain and store in a dropper bottle
How to use: Take 10–15 drops in water up to 3 times a day
4. Infused Oil (Great for Skin)
Benefits:
- Natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial
- Helps soothe cuts, rashes, bug bites, and burns
How to make it:
- Fill a jar with chopped plant
- Cover with a carrier oil (olive, almond, or coconut)
- Let it infuse in a sunny spot for 2–3 weeks
- Strain and store in a cool place
Bonus: Turn the oil into a healing salve by melting 1 part beeswax with 3 parts oil. Pour into tins and let set.
5. Decorative Edible Uses
- Sprinkle flowers on salads or desserts for a colorful touch
- Freeze blooms in ice cube trays to dress up drinks
6. Herbal Powder for Cooking
How to make it:
- Fully dry the leaves
- Grind into powder
- Use in soups, seasoning mixes, or on roasted veggies
Storage Tip: Keep in an airtight jar, away from light and heat. Use within 6 months.
A Few Final Tips
- Only harvest from pesticide-free, clean areas
- Always rinse well before using
- Start with small amounts to make sure your body tolerates it
- Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless advised by a health professional
The Takeaway
Purple dead nettle might be one of the most overlooked wild herbs out there—but once you learn to recognize it, you’ll find it’s everywhere! From teas and tinctures to salads and skincare, this plant has so many uses it’s almost too good to be true.
So next time you see a patch of purple blooms peeking through in spring, think twice before calling it a weed—you might just be looking at one of nature’s best-kept secrets.
