White Deadnettle

A ray of sunshine, which was able to cross the massively leafy crowns of all forest trees, put a spotlight on this single stem of white dead nettle standing among so many others in the half-light of the forest.

Very often confused with its cousin the stinging nettle, the white deadnettle (lamium album) looks quite similar. However, it is not endowed with the treacherous, prickly and itchy faculties of its almost twin cousin. Not biting itself, it nevertheless gives shelter to a bloodthirsty and vampirish host, the mosquito that can be seen, ready to attack, well hidden under a top leaf, on the left side of the picture.

Lamier Blanc © Photo Alexis De Hag © - Forêt de Haguenau 2021 -

The dead nettle in full bloom from May to August, growing in fields, roadsides and in forests, can find beneficial applications in alternative medicine. The young shoots, leaves and white flowers can also be eaten, developing a very slight mushroom taste.