dead nettle
Noun: 1. A common name for various plants, especially in the genus Lamium, that resemble stinging nettles in leaf appearance but lack stinging hairs. 2. More broadly, any of several unrelated plants with nettle-like leaves that do not sting.
The term "dead nettle" is used to identify and describe plants that look similar to stinging nettles but are harmless to touch. * The garden border was filled with the purple flowers of dead nettle. * Unlike stinging nettle, dead nettle is safe to handle without gloves. * Several species of dead nettle are used as ground cover in shady areas.
- Botanical Context: In precise botanical discussion, "dead nettle" most accurately refers to species within the genus (family Lamiaceae), such as (red dead nettle) or (white dead nettle). The term distinguishes them from true nettles of the genus .
- As a Modifier: The term can function attributively (like an adjective) to specify a type.
- We planted a dead nettle variety under the trees.
- Henbit (): A specific type of dead nettle.
- Archangel: A common name for yellow dead nettle ().
- False Nettle (genus ): Another group of non-stinging, nettle-like plants sometimes loosely called dead nettle.
- Non-stinging nettle
- False nettle (Note: This can refer to different botanical groups)
The reference context lists several specific plants that share the common name "dead nettle": 1. Plants of the genus Pilea (e.g., artillery plant). This usage is less common. 2. Lamium species (the most common referent). 3. Galepsis species (hemp-nettle), a bristly plant sometimes called dead nettle. 4. Houttuynia cordata, a foul-smelling herb. This is a very specific and less widespread usage of the name.
There are no common idioms using "dead nettle." It is primarily a botanical common name.
- a plants of the genus Pilea having drooping green flower clusters and smooth translucent stems and leaves
- coarse bristly Eurasian plant with white or reddish flowers and foliage resembling that of a nettle; common as a weed in United States
- any of various plants of the genus Lamium having clusters of small usually purplish flowers with two lips
- foul-smelling perennial Eurasiatic herb with a green creeping rhizome