Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule) and Deadnettle (Lamium purpureum) are two closely related flowering plants belonging to the Lamium genus in the mint family, Lamiaceae. While they are often mistaken for each other due to their similar appearance, they do have some distinguishing characteristics.
Both plants are considered winter annuals, meaning they germinate in the fall, overwinter, and flower in the spring. Henbit and Deadnettle are low-growing plants with square stems and opposite leaves that are often heart-shaped or rounded. They typically reach heights of 4 to 12 inches. The stems may be tinged with purple, especially in Deadnettle.
Both plants produce clusters of small, tubular, pink to purple flowers with white markings on the lower lip. Henbit tends to have larger flowers than Deadnettle. These plants are native to Europe and Asia but have naturalized in many parts of North America, where they are considered common weeds. They thrive in disturbed habitats such as gardens, fields, lawns,
and roadsides, preferring moist, fertile soil. Both Henbit and Deadnettle are edible and have been used in culinary applications. The young leaves and stems can be added raw to salads or cooked as a potherb. They have a mild, slightly peppery flavor reminiscent of spinach. Some people also use the flowers as a garnish or to add color to dishes.
The plants are highly nutritious. They’re abundant in vitamins, particularly vitamin C, along with iron and fiber, while the oil in their seeds is packed with powerful antioxidants.
However, since these plants are often found in areas that may be contaminated with pesticides or other pollutants, it’s essential to harvest them from clean, uncontaminated locations. In traditional herbal medicine, both Henbit and Deadnettle have been used for various purposes. They are believed to have diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties. Herbalists have used infusions or tinctures made from the leaves and flowers to treat conditions such as urinary tract infections, respiratory ailments, and skin irritations.
Purple dead-nettle is known for reducing allergy symptoms, in fact, its antifungal and antibacterial compounds are currently being studied in an attempt to explain the reason behind its medicinal abilities linked to allergies. However, scientific evidence supporting these medicinal uses is limited, and caution should be exercised when using these plants for therapeutic purposes. Bees love purple dead nettle.
The plant is an important species for these endangered creatures, and not only do they seem to prefer it over other plants, but it’s one of the first to flower in the spring, which is why you may want to forage it now and use the seeds to plant it in your garden. If you live in a mild climate, it may even flower through the winter to provide vital bee forage.
Purple Dead Nettle Tea
This is one of those plants that is everywhere once you know what you’re looking for. I see it all the time. This is a favorite of bees, so harvest responsibly. It’s hard to over-pick purple dead nettle, though.Purple dead nettle makes a wonderful tea for spring allergies. This stuff is a lifesaver!
Simply put three or four rinsed heads per cup of water in a teapot and pour boiling water over them. Let the tea steep for five minutes, then strain and serve. I will warn you, served as is, this tea is very astringent tasting. I always add a liberal amount of local honey. It becomes a one-two punch to my allergies! I begin drinking the tea as soon as I start seeing purple dead nettle, and it dramatically reduces my allergy issues. If you wish, you can dry the heads of the leaves and flowers to make tea with year-round.
Lamium Collection
Purple Dead Nettle Soup
One of the first early spring edibles is Purple Dead Nettle, Lamium purpureum, in the Lamiaceae family (mint). You can use it in salads or as a spring vegetable. However, it does have tiny hairs on the surface which gives it a texture problem for many. One way to use it that removes that issue is in a pureed soup. You can have the many nutritional benefits (high in iron, vitamins and fiber as well as having antimicrobial and antifungal properties) and still enjoy the meal!
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh purple dead nettle leaves and flowers
2 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons butter
1 onion, chopped fine
3 cups milk
salt and pepper
fresh parsley to garnish (optional)
Directions:
Parboil dead nettle in lightly salted water for 5 minutes. Strain.
Meanwhile, add butter to pan and fry onions until translucent (not browned), about five minutes. Add flour and mix until combined. Add milk and stir until smooth. Simmer five minutes.
Add strained nettle to food processor or blender. Blend until pureed. Combine with milk mixture. Stir and heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Great served with grilled cheese sandwiches!
Further Reading
Sources
- “Lamium amplexicaule – Henbit Deadnettle” – Illinois Wildflowers, https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/weeds/plants/henbit.htm
- “Lamium purpureum – Purple Deadnettle” – Illinois Wildflowers, https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/weeds/plants/purple_deadnettle.htm
- “Edible Wild Plants: Purple Deadnettle” – Grow Forage Cook Ferment, https://www.growforagecookferment.com/purple-deadnettle/
- “Henbit: A Cool-Season, Annual Broadleaf Weed” – University of Tennessee Extension, https://extension.tennessee.edu/publications/Documents/PB1774.pdf
- Wikipedia “Lamium amplexicaule” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamium_amplexicaule
- Wikipedia “Lamium” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamium
- Natural Living Ideas “4 Reasons To Go & Find Purple Dead-Nettle” https://www.naturallivingideas.com/purple-dead-nettle/
- Rural Spout “5 Delicious Recipes For 5 Easy To Forage Plants” https://www.ruralsprout.com/easy-foraging-recipes/
- Southern Forager “Purple Dead Nettle Soup!” https://southernforager.blogspot.com/2015/02/purple-dead-nettle-soup.html
