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Description
Lamium Purpureum, also known as purple dead-nettle, is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the mint family Lamiaceae. This annual plant is native to Europe and Asia but can now be found throughout North America. It grows up to 30 cm tall, with square stems that are covered in fine hairs. The leaves are opposite and heart-shaped, with a purplish tint. The flowers bloom from March to November and are pinkish-purple in color.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Spermatophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Lamium |
Appearance
Lamium Purpureum is a small, annual plant that grows up to 30 cm tall. It has square stems that are covered in fine hairs, and its leaves are opposite and heart-shaped, with a purplish tint. The flowers bloom from March to November and are pinkish-purple in color, with a characteristic hood-like shape. The plant is often mistaken for common nettle due to its similar appearance, but it lacks stinging hairs.
Care Guide
Lamium Purpureum is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal care. It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade but can also tolerate full sun. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly, especially during dry periods.- Fertilization: The plant does not require much fertilizer, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil with a neutral pH. It can also grow in poor soil conditions.- Sunlight: The plant can grow in partial shade to full sun.- Hardiness Zones: Lamium Purpureum is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lamium Purpureum is generally pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and root rot if the soil is too wet. Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect this plant:- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves. It can be controlled by applying fungicides or removing infected leaves.- Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering or poorly-drained soil. It can cause the plant to wilt and die. Avoid overwatering and improve soil drainage to prevent root rot.
Habitat
Lamium Purpureum is native to Europe and Asia but can now be found throughout North America. It grows in a wide range of habitats, including meadows, fields, roadsides, and disturbed areas. It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade but can also tolerate full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Lamium Purpureum a perennial or an annual plant?
A: Lamium Purpureum is an annual plant.
Q: Can Lamium Purpureum grow in full sun?
A: Yes, Lamium Purpureum can grow in full sun, but it prefers partial shade.
Q: Is Lamium Purpureum a good plant for ground cover?
A: Yes, Lamium Purpureum can be used as a ground cover due to its spreading growth habit.
Q: Does Lamium Purpureum attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Lamium Purpureum attracts bees and other pollinators with its pinkish-purple flowers.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that belong to the same family as Lamium Purpureum:- Salvia officinalis (common sage)- Mentha x piperita (peppermint)- Thymus vulgaris (common thyme)- Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary)
References
– “Lamium Purpureum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 6 May 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c870– “Purple Deadnettle.” University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension. Accessed 6 May 2021. https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/weedsci/2019/04/29/purple-deadnettle/– “Lamium Purpureum (Purple Dead Nettle).” Plantopedia. Accessed 6 May 2021. https://plantopedia.com/lamium-purpureum-purple-dead-nettle/
