White Dead Nettle
Lamium album
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. 409F — Lamium album
Lamium albumLamium albumLamium albumLamium albumLamium albumLamium albumLamium albumLamium albumLamium albumLamium albumLamium albumLamium albumLamium albumLamium album
IOverview
Overview
White Dead Nettle (Lamium album) is a perennial plant native to regions including Afghanistan, Austria, and various European countries such as Belgium and Bulgaria. It thrives in moist, light to medium soil and can tolerate partial sun to full shade. Known for its edible leaves, this plant has been cultivated for culinary use. Its distinctive white flowers with pink or purple veins set it apart from other nettle species, making it a notable addition to gardens and natural landscapes. White Dead Nettle is hardy in zones 5-9 and can grow up to 0.6 meters tall, contributing to its ornamental value while also serving as an edible resource.
Quick answers
What is White Dead Nettle?
White Dead Nettle (Lamium album) is a perennial plant native to regions including Afghanistan, Austria, and various European countries such as Belgium and Bulgaria. It thrives in moist, light to medium soil and can tolerate partial sun to full shade.
What is White Dead Nettle used for?
Traditionally used for immune support, topical & skin. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of White Dead Nettle
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- White Dead Nettle has been traditionally used in European herbal medicine to support the immune system, often prepared as a tea or decoction. Its use is based on its historical reputation and traditional knowledge.
The mechanism by which White Dead Nettle supports the immune system is not fully characterised but may involve bioactive compounds that interact with various immune pathways.
- White Dead Nettle has been traditionally used in topical applications to soothe and support skin health, often prepared as a poultice or infused oil. Its use is based on traditional knowledge.
The mechanism by which White Dead Nettle supports skin health is not fully characterised but may involve anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce irritation and promote healing.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
White Dead Nettle support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
White Dead Nettle thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows well in hardiness zones 5-9 and can be propagated by division or seed. This perennial reaches a height of about 0.6 meters and is native to regions like Afghanistan, Austria, and Belarus. Harvest its edible leaves for culinary use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow White Dead Nettle for the first time
7steps
White Dead Nettle is a forgiving perennial that's perfect for beginners looking to add some green to their garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall for best results.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with light to partial shade and well-draining soil. Ensure containers are at least 30 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden, covering them lightly with soil. Alternatively, plant young seedlings about 15-20 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and provide light shade if direct sunlight is strong.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and stems in early spring to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Tea
Other uses:Ground cover
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe11 regions
native (11)AustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyHungaryItalyRussia
Asia6 regions
native (6)AfghanistanChinaIranIraqJapanKazakhstan
Broader regions
native:Altay, Khabarovsk, Baltic States, Buryatiya, Amur, Kamchatka, Chita, Czechoslovakia, Kirgizstan
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 409fde62-94b1-4373-ba0c-249bdaf16af2
Decision aid
Choosing between White Dead Nettle and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.