White dead-nettle is a common plant of roadside verges, waste grounds and grassy banks - anywhere the ground has been disturbed. Like Yellow archangel, and other members of the dead-nettle family, it doesn't have stinging leaves. Its white flowers appear from March right the way through to December.
How to identify
Looking similar to a stinging nettle, white dead-nettle is a hairy perennial with heart-shaped, deeply toothed leaves. Dense whorls of white, 'hooded' flowers appear up the stem, among the leaves.
Did you know?
Lots of different species of long-tongued insects visit the flowers of White dead-nettle, including the Red mason bee, White-tailed bumblebee and Burnished brass moth. The caterpillars of the Garden tiger and Angle shades moths feed on the leaves, as do Green tortoise beetles.
How people can help
Although they might not look especially wildlife-friendly, our roadside verges, railway cuttings and waste grounds can provide valuable habitats for all kinds of plants and animals. The Wildlife Trusts are involved in many projects to make these places as beneficial for wildlife as possible. We have a vision of a Living Landscape: a network of habitats stretching across town and country that allow wildlife to move about freely and people to enjoy the benefits of nature. Support this greener vision for the future by joining your local Wildlife Trust.
