Dead nettle vs. Devils' nettle

Dead nettle and devil's nettle are perennial herbs that belong to two different families. Dead nettle is part of mint family, while devil's nettle belongs to the aster family. Dead nettle is native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia, while devil's nettle originates from temperate parts of Europe, Asia and North America. Dead nettle grows on the fertile, moist soil, in areas that provide plenty of sun. It can be found in the gardens, meadows, hedgerows, on the river banks, near the roads and human settlements. Devil's nettle grows on well-drained soil, exposed to full sun. It can be found in the open forests, meadows, pastures, yards, fields and on the shores. Dead nettle and devil's nettle possess numerous unique features that can facilitate identification of each of these plants:

Morphology of Mature Plant

Dead nettle has slender, square-shaped stem and ovate, net-veined leaves with toothed edges. Leaves are arranged in opposite pairs and together with stem, covered with soft hairs. Devil's nettle has erect, multi-branched stem and bipinnate or tripinnate, feathery leaves. They are sparsely hairy and spirally arranged on the stem. Entire plant emits strong, chrysanthemum-like smell.

Flowers and Blooming Season

Flowers of dead nettle are white and shaped like lips. They are produced in whorls in the axils of leaves. Blooming season takes place from May to September. Bees and bumblebees are major pollinators of dead nettle. Flowers of devil's nettle are white or pale purple and arranged in large, flat-topped terminal clusters. Devil's nettle blooms from July to September and attracts flies and beetles.

Fruit

Fruit of dead nettle is 4-parted schizocarp. Fruit of devil's nettle is narrow, achene-like cypsela.

Part of Human Diet

Dead nettle can be consumed as leafy vegetable or as ingredient of soups. It was important source of food during the periods of famine in Europe in the past. Young leaves of devil's nettle have sweet taste. They can be boiled and consumed like spinach. Dried leaves can be used as spice. Flowers and leaves of devil's nettle are used for the preparation of liqueurs.

Medical Properties

Flowers of dead nettle are used in treatment of burns, cuts and other skin injuries in folk medicine. Tea made of dead nettle can cure diarrhea, while tonic reduces menstrual flow and alleviates menstrual pain. Devil's nettle is often used in treatment of wounds, fever, common cold, influenza, nosebleed, to improve blood circulation and bile flow, reduce phlegm and regulate menstrual cycle.

Other Applications

Both dead nettle and devil's nettle (especially variety with red flowers) are cultivated in ornamental purposes in the gardens. Due to ability to prevent growth of parasites, devil's nettle is often used for the construction of bird nests.