At first glance, stinging nettles look like a whole bunch of other plants in the garden. It’s not just other nettle species, either—even the Nettle-leaved Bellflower can do a pretty good impression of one. But when it comes to the Dead Nettle (Lamium), even a second look might leave you scratching your head trying to tell them apart.
Practically Identical Leaves
The hallmark of both the Great and Small Stinging Nettle is those deep green, jagged leaves. Usually, they’re a big “stay away” sign because touching them leads to those painful, itchy welts we all know too well. The Dead Nettle, however, has leaves with almost the exact same shape and color, but it’s missing those tiny toxic stinging hairs on its stems and foliage.
So Many Similarities
Dead Nettle leaves are also egg-shaped and taper to a point, just like the stinging variety. They share similar stems and a nearly identical leaf texture. Plus, both plants start popping up in the garden around March and April. It’s no wonder so many gardeners mistake Dead Nettles for the stinging kind early in the season!
The Giveaway: Different Flowers
Besides the fact that Dead Nettles aren’t toxic or painful to touch, the biggest giveaway is the flowers. Stinging nettles are pretty low-key; their flowers are tiny and a dull yellowish-brown. On the flip side, Dead Nettles produce very visible, pretty white flowers. If you have the Red Dead Nettle variety, those blooms will be a lovely purple. By July, when they’re in full bloom, it’s easy to tell exactly which plant you’re looking at.
Similar Soil Needs
Stinging nettles are famous indicator plants, signaling that your soil is rich in nitrogen, humus, and moisture. That’s why veggies like peppers, tomatoes, and pumpkins thrive in spots where nettles grow. Interestingly, Dead Nettles look for the exact same soil conditions.
To sum it up, here are the main differences to look for between Stinging Nettles and Dead Nettles:
- The shape and color of the flowers
- Toxicity (Dead Nettles have no stinging hairs)