Purple deadnettle plant

Purple Deadnettle-Lamium purpureum L.

Lamium purpureum L. 

Lamiaceae family (Mint family)

 

MI Status

Non-native                 

Life Cycle

Winter annual

Leaves 

Leaves are opposite, triangular to ovate, and are covered in soft hairs.  Young leaves at the apex are usually tinted purple while lower mature leaves are green.  Leaves are deeply veined and have scalloped margins.  Petioles are short. 

Stems

Unbranched stems are square and largely glabrous.  The lower portion of the stem is often devoid of leaves. 

Flowers and fruit

Whorls of flowers occur above the leaf axils, and a terminal whorl of flowers occurs at the top of each stem.  Flowers are tubular and are purple to pink in color.  The lower lip is divided into 2 rounded lobes.  Each flower produces 4 nutlet seeds. 

Reproduction

Seed

Purple deadnettle May2020 ECH (2)
Purple deadnettle plant
Purple Deadnettle Seedling Hasenicks Mar27 2009 002
Purple deadnettle seedling
Purple Deadnettle flowerhead Bancroft April 2010
Purple deadnettle flower
Purple Deadnettle faded seedhead AgFarm May 2009
Purple deadnettle faded seedhead

Other Documents in this Series

You Might Also Be Interested In

Accessibility Questions:

For questions about accessibility and/or if you need additional accommodations for a specific document, please send an email to ANR Communications & Marketing at anrcommunications@anr.msu.edu.

Tag List
  • msu plant & pest diagnostics,
  • weed,
  • winter annual

About

Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).