Purple Deadnettle (Lamium purpureum) is one of those wild plants that often go unnoticed — and even pulled up like an ordinary weed — but if you know what you’re looking at, you’ll realize it’s a hidden gem gifted by nature. While many treat it like garden clutter, those in the know recognize its value as a free source of natural wellness and handy home remedies. To get the most out of this little plant, you need to start with correct identification and learn how to harvest, store, and use it properly. This guide will walk you through the entire process!
How to Identify Purple Deadnettle
First things first — you need to be absolutely sure you’re picking the right plant. Misidentifying it could lead to some unwanted surprises, or worse. Here’s what sets Purple Deadnettle apart from its look-alikes:
- Growth Style: It’s a low-growing annual that tends to form patches, hugging the ground as it spreads.
- Height: Typically grows between 5 and 30 cm tall.
- Lower Leaves: These are bright green, heart-shaped, and edged with gentle scallops.
- Upper Leaves: Near the top, the leaves turn more purple. They’re smaller, slightly fuzzy, and stack on top of each other in a neat layered way.
- Texture: Leaves feel soft and lightly hairy when you touch them.
- Stem Shape: The stems are square, which is a classic giveaway for plants in the mint family.
- Color Highlights: The plant often sports reddish or purple tones near its upper parts.
- Flowers: Tiny, tubular blooms that range from pink to purple.
- Season: Flowers start showing up in early spring and can last well into summer in cooler areas.
- Scent: Unlike other members of the mint family, crushed leaves don’t release a strong scent — it’s mild and earthy.
Where and When to Find Purple Deadnettle
Purple Deadnettle is most often found thriving in:
- Disturbed soil like garden beds, pathways, open fields, and roadsides.
- Spots that get full sun to partial shade.
- Typically popping up in early spring, though in some climates it sticks around through late summer.
This plant is actually one of the earliest wild greens you’ll spot after winter, which makes it a valuable find when other herbs haven’t yet appeared.
How to Harvest It the Right Way
When foraging, always pick plants from clean, chemical-free spots. Here’s how to do it right:
- Look for healthy, vibrant plants without signs of decay like spots, holes, or wilting.
- Focus on collecting the young, top parts — especially the purple-tinted leaves and flowers. These are perfect for drying and eating.
- Use scissors or your fingers to snip off the top 5–10 cm of the plant.
- The ideal time to harvest is mid-morning, once the dew has evaporated but before the sun is too strong.
- Harvest mindfully: only take what you need and leave enough behind for the bees and the plant to regrow.
Storing Purple Deadnettle for Later Use
If you want to enjoy this plant all year long, proper storage is essential. Here’s the best way to dry it:
- Gently rinse the leaves and flowers to remove any dirt or tiny critters.
- Pat them dry with a clean towel.
- Lay everything out flat on a drying rack or paper towel in a warm, shaded spot with good airflow.
- Turn the pieces over once a day to ensure even drying.
- After 2–5 days (depending on conditions), once fully dry, store them in an airtight glass jar away from sunlight and humidity.
Pro Tip: A dehydrator works too! Set it to a low temperature (below 40°C / 104°F) for best results.
For short-term storage:
- Rinse, pat dry, and chop if needed.
- Place the plant in zip-lock freezer bags or freeze it in ice cube trays with a splash of water for easy portions later.
How to Use Purple Deadnettle
Once you’ve got your stash ready, here are a few ways to put Purple Deadnettle to good use:
- Herbal Tea: Steep about 1 teaspoon of dried leaves in hot water for 5–10 minutes. Strain and sip. Add a little honey or lemon if you like!
- Powder Supplement: Grind dried leaves and flowers into a fine powder using a spice grinder. Use ¼ to ½ teaspoon daily in smoothies, soups, or sprinkled over your food.
- Infused Oil: Pack dried deadnettle into a jar and cover it with olive oil. Let it infuse for 2–4 weeks either using the sunlight method or a double boiler. The oil makes a great base for skin-soothing salves.
- Tincture: Fill a jar with freshly chopped deadnettle, cover it with high-proof alcohol like vodka, and let it sit in a dark place for 4–6 weeks. Shake occasionally, strain, and store. Use sparingly and consult a professional before using.
- Fresh in Recipes: Add the fresh leaves to salads, omelets, soups, or even homemade pesto. The taste is mild and grassy — perfect for savory dishes, without the minty kick.
A Few Words of Caution
- Always introduce new wild plants slowly to your diet to check for allergic reactions.
- Never pick plants from areas treated with pesticides or herbicides.
- If you’re uncertain about identification, double-check with field guides or a local expert before consuming.
Why Bother? The Benefits of Having It on Hand
When properly dried and stored, Purple Deadnettle is a great resource:
- Handy during the winter when fresh greens are hard to find.
- Useful in DIY natural first-aid kits.
- A reliable way to support general well-being with a plant that nature gives freely.
In the end, Purple Deadnettle is much more than just an ordinary weed. When you take the time to identify, harvest, and store it the right way, it becomes a versatile and valuable part of your home apothecary and kitchen.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using wild plants for medicinal use. The authors are not responsible for any harm caused by misidentification or misuse.
