The Henbit Dead-Nettle (Lamium amplexicaulis) and the Purple Dead-Nettle (Lamium purpureum) are two common naturalized weeds from Europe. They both flower all summer from April to September and in mild seasons, both earlier or later. Henbit may often be seen blooming in sunny sites during mid-winter. The Purple Dead-Nettle is so-named for the purple tinge of its foliage and not for the color of its flowers. Botanists have used the term nettle to name plants related to, or in some way resembling, the true nettle plant.
Aside from being somewhat unwelcome weeds in cultivated grounds and gardens, Dead-Nettles are graceful little plants that are curiously fascinating when their tiny flowers are viewed close-up. Since these two Dead-Nettles are annuals, they are easily eradicated.
Copyright © 2004 William T. Hathaway.