Red Deadnettle
Latin: Lamium purpureum
Irish: Neanntóg chaoch
Contrary to the common name, Red Deadnettle is not closely related to the more familiar stinging nettle – the stinging nettle (Urtica dioica). It is, in fact, closely related to the well-known culinary herbs thyme, mint and basil.
The plant is vaguely nettle-like. Leaves and stems are covered with hairs but they are stingless. The plant grows about 10-20cm tall and bears reddish-purple flowers. Flowering occurs from March to October.
This is a native species that favours waste places and field margins. Specimens can usually be seen in the swale between the 10th green and the motte-and-bailey.
