logo Wild Flower Web
Back

Click here to search for a different flower

Search

[?]

Open the Advanced Search

Spotted Dead-nettle

Lamium maculatum

Lamium maculatum Lamium maculatum
prev photo 1 photo 2 photo 3 photo 4 next

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Lamiales
Family:
Lamiaceae (Dead-nettle)
Also in this family:
Annual Woundwort, Apple Mint, Balkan Clary, Basil Thyme, Bastard Balm, Betony, Bifid Hemp-nettle, Black Horehound, Breckland Thyme, Bugle, Catmint, Common Calamint, Common Hemp-nettle, Corn Mint, Corsican Mint, Cut-leaved Dead-nettle, Cut-leaved Germander, Cut-leaved Selfheal, Downy Woundwort, False Apple Mint, Field Woundwort, Garden Catmint, Garden Clary, Ginger Mint, Ground Ivy, Ground-pine, Gypsywort, Hedge Woundwort, Henbit Dead-nettle, Horse Mint, Lamb's-ear, Large Thyme, Large-flowered Hemp-nettle, Lemon Balm, Lesser Calamint, Lesser Skullcap, Limestone Woundwort, Marjoram, Marsh Woundwort, Meadow Clary, Northern Dead-nettle, Pennyroyal, Peppermint, Pyramidal Bugle, Red Dead-nettle, Red Hemp-nettle, Rosemary, Round-leaved Mint, Selfheal, Sharp-leaved Mint, Skullcap, Somerset Skullcap, Spearmint, Sticky Clary, Tall Mint, Variegated Yellow Archangel, Wall Germander, Water Germander, Water Mint, White Dead-nettle, White Horehound, Whorled Clary, Whorled Mint, Wild Basil, Wild Clary, Wild Thyme, Wood Calamint, Wood Sage, Yellow Archangel
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
30 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Grassland, wasteland, woodland.

Flower:
֍
Purple, 5 petals
 
Pink purple, on upright stems, in whorls, up to 3.5cm wide.
Fruit:
A cluster of 4 nutlets.
Leaves:
Opposite, toothed, usually stalked and undivided. Heart-shaped with a silver coloured patch in the centre.
Aroma:
Strongly fragrant flowers.
Other Names:
Devil's Clover, Devil's Nettle, Double Tongue, Henbit, Spotted Henbit, St Vincent's Nettle, Variegated Dead-nettle.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen  

Other information

Summary

Lamium maculatum, also known as spotted dead-nettle or henbit, is a flowering plant in the mint family (Lamiaceae). It is native to Europe and Asia, but has been introduced to other parts of the world including North America. The plant is characterized by its purple or pink flowers and triangular or heart-shaped leaves with distinctive silver or white spots. It is often found in disturbed soil, such as along roadsides or in gardens, and is considered a weed in some areas. Despite its name, spotted dead-nettle is not related to the stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) and does not cause the same type of irritation when touched.

Blog

Spotted Dead-nettle: A Beautiful Groundcover for Your Garden

Are you looking for a low-maintenance and attractive groundcover for your garden? Look no further than the spotted dead-nettle (Lamium maculatum). This beautiful plant is not only easy to grow and care for, but it also offers a variety of colors and textures that are sure to enhance any garden bed.

The spotted dead-nettle is a member of the Lamiaceae (mint) family and is native to Europe and Asia. It is a hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of soils and climates, making it an excellent choice for gardeners in many different regions. The plant grows to a height of 6-12 inches, spreading to a width of 12-24 inches.

One of the most notable features of the spotted dead-nettle is its bright, variegated foliage. The leaves are typically green with silver or yellow spots, and the plant produces delicate, two-lipped flowers in shades of pink, lavender, or white from late spring to early summer. The flowers are not only attractive, but they also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies to your garden.

Another advantage of the spotted dead-nettle is its low-maintenance nature. The plant is easy to grow and care for, and once established, it is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. It is also deer-resistant and disease-resistant, making it a great choice for gardeners who are looking for a low-maintenance plant that is also durable and long-lasting.

One important thing to note is that the spotted dead-nettle is not a true nettle, and it does not sting like its relatives. The "dead" in its name refers to the fact that it does not have the stingers found on other nettles.

When planting the spotted dead-nettle, it is best to choose a location that is partially shaded or has filtered sunlight. The plant prefers well-draining soil and will not tolerate standing water. If you are planting it in a sunny location, it is important to water the plant regularly to prevent the soil from drying out completely.

In addition to its beauty and ease of care, the spotted dead-nettle is also a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways in the garden. Here are a few suggestions for incorporating this plant into your landscape design:

  1. Edging: The spotted dead-nettle makes a great edging plant, as it is low-growing and has a spreading habit. Use it to create a neat and tidy border around your garden beds, or along walkways or patios.

  2. Container gardening: The spotted dead-nettle is also a great choice for container gardening. Use a pot or planter that is large enough to accommodate the plant's spreading habit, and place it in a sunny or partially shaded location.

  3. Rock gardens: The spotted dead-nettle is well-suited to rock gardens and other rocky landscapes, as it is able to grow in soils that are lean and well-drained. Use it as a groundcover between larger rocks and boulders, or plant it along a rock wall.

  4. Wildflower gardens: The spotted dead-nettle is a great choice for wildflower gardens, as it adds color and texture to the garden while also attracting pollinators. Mix it with other wildflowers, such as black-eyed susans, coneflowers, and daisies, to create a colorful and diverse garden.

  5. Garden paths: Use the spotted dead-nettle as a groundcover along garden paths to create a soft and lush carpet of foliage and flowers. This is an especially good idea for paths that receive partial shade, as the plant will thrive in these conditions.

The spotted dead-nettle is a versatile and attractive plant that is well-suited for a variety of garden styles and landscapes. Whether you are looking for a low-maintenance groundcover, an attractive edging plant, or a container-friendly perennial, the spotted dead-nettle is an excellent choice. So, if you are looking to enhance your garden with a hardy and beautiful plant, be sure to consider the spotted dead-nettle.

In addition to its beauty and versatility, the spotted dead-nettle also has some additional benefits that make it a great choice for gardeners. Here are a few more reasons why you should consider adding this plant to your garden:

  1. Attractive foliage: The spotted dead-nettle is prized for its beautiful and brightly variegated foliage. The leaves are typically green with silver or yellow spots, and the plant has a delicate, airy appearance that adds texture and interest to the garden.

  2. Deer-resistant: The spotted dead-nettle is considered deer-resistant, making it a great choice for gardeners who live in areas where deer are a problem. This plant is not a favorite food of deer, and it is unlikely to be damaged by browsing deer.

  3. Disease-resistant: The spotted dead-nettle is also disease-resistant, and it is not prone to the fungal diseases that can afflict other plants. This makes it a great choice for gardeners who want a low-maintenance and disease-free garden.

  4. Drought-tolerant: Once established, the spotted dead-nettle is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. This makes it a great choice for gardeners who are looking for a low-maintenance plant that is also water-wise.

  5. Versatile: The spotted dead-nettle can be used in a variety of ways in the garden, including as a groundcover, an edging plant, or in container gardens. It can also be used in rock gardens, wildflower gardens, and along garden paths, making it a versatile and multi-functional plant.

The spotted dead-nettle is a great choice for gardeners who are looking for a low-maintenance, versatile, and attractive plant for their garden. Whether you are looking for a groundcover, an edging plant, or a container-friendly perennial, the spotted dead-nettle is an excellent choice.

Lastly, it's important to note that the spotted dead-nettle is also a great plant for attracting pollinators to your garden. The plant produces small, pink, white or purple flowers that are rich in nectar and highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. By incorporating the spotted dead-nettle into your garden, you can help to provide a source of food and habitat for these important insects, which are critical to the health and wellbeing of our ecosystems.

In addition to its benefits as a pollinator-friendly plant, the spotted dead-nettle is also a great choice for gardeners who are looking to create a low-maintenance and sustainable garden. The plant is easy to care for, requiring only minimal pruning and watering, and it is able to grow in a variety of soils and light conditions.

To summarize, the spotted dead-nettle is a great choice for gardeners who are looking for a versatile, low-maintenance, and pollinator-friendly plant. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner, the spotted dead-nettle is a great choice for adding color and texture to your garden. So, why not consider adding this beautiful and hardy plant to your landscape today?

Video

Spotted Dead-nettle filmed at Arley Hall in Wigan on the 3rd April 2022.

 

Please remember to Like and Subscribe to the WildFlowerWeb YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@wildflower-web

Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

Click to open an Interactive Map