As a gardening and landscaping expert, I can confidently say that dead nettles do not sting. Both white dead nettles and red dead nettles are commonly found flowers in gardens and landscapes. One interesting fact about these flowers is that they occur in the axils of leaf-like bracts, which makes them virtually indistinguishable from leaves.
I have come across many gardeners who initially mistake these flowers for leaves due to their similar appearance. The bracts surrounding the flowers can be quite large and leaf-like, making them blend seamlessly with the rest of the foliage. This characteristic adds an interesting aesthetic element to the plants, as the flowers seem to emerge from within the leaves.
It’s worth noting that while dead nettles do not sting, they are often called “nettles” due to their resemblance to true stinging nettles. True stinging nettles, which belong to the Urtica genus, are well-known for their ability to deliver a painful sting when touched. However, dead nettles, which belong to the Lamium genus, do not possess this stinging characteristic.
In my personal experience, I have witnessed many garden visitors approach these flowers with caution, assuming they may sting. It always brings a smile to my face when I inform them that these lovely blooms are harmless and can be enjoyed up close without any fear of getting stung.
To summarize, dead nettles are common flowers in gardens and landscapes. They do not sting and are often mistaken for leaves due to their leaf-like bracts. Their resemblance to true stinging nettles can lead to confusion, but rest assured, dead nettles are completely harmless and can be appreciated for their beauty without any worry of getting stung.
