Red Dead-nettle
Broadleaf annual weed
Red dead-nettle is a soft annual weed that often appears early in the year, bringing pinkish flowers to bare ground and winter beds. Despite its nettle-like foliage, it does not sting. It grows quickly in disturbed soil, so removing it before flowering prevents it from becoming a regular source of seed.
How to identify it
Plants usually grow 10 to 40 cm tall on square, softly hairy stems. Leaves occur in opposite pairs, are rounded to triangular with coarse teeth, and often become purple-tinged towards the top. The pinkish to purple tubular flowers are clustered around the upper leaf joints and have a hooded shape. Unlike stinging nettles, the plant has no stinging hairs. Roots are fibrous and shallow, though larger plants can anchor firmly in compacted soil.
Where it grows
It is widespread in UK gardens, allotments, path edges, waste ground and under sparse hedges. It germinates mainly in autumn and spring, then flowers early in mild weather, although plants can occur over a long season. It favours cultivated, fertile soil and gaps around vegetables, bulbs, shrubs and recently cleared borders.
Why it is a problem
It can form dense colonies that crowd small seedlings and spoil the appearance of freshly prepared beds. Each plant produces seed readily, allowing repeated outbreaks after cultivation. Its early growth gives it an advantage over slower crops, and flowering stems can remain hidden amongst winter vegetables or ornamental foliage until seed has formed.
How to control it
Hand-pull seedlings and young plants before they flower, preferably when the soil is moist enough for the fibrous roots to release. Hoe larger flushes in dry weather, leaving plants exposed to dry. Remove any flowering plants rather than composting them in place. Apply mulch around established shrubs, vegetables and ornamentals, and use light-excluding covers on empty beds. Revisit cleared areas regularly in autumn and spring, when new seedlings commonly emerge.
Commonly confused with
It is often confused with stinging nettle, but red dead-nettle has no sting, a softer texture and pinkish tubular flowers. Henbit dead-nettle has more deeply lobed upper leaves and flowers held in whorls. Young plants may also resemble purple dead-nettle, another common non-stinging relative.
Red Dead-nettle: frequently asked questions
How do I identify red dead-nettle?
Plants usually grow 10 to 40 cm tall on square, softly hairy stems.
How do I get rid of red dead-nettle?
Hand-pull seedlings and young plants before they flower, preferably when the soil is moist enough for the fibrous roots to release.
Where does red dead-nettle grow?
It is widespread in UK gardens, allotments, path edges, waste ground and under sparse hedges.
General guidance for UK gardens and allotments, focused on prevention and non-chemical control. For a confirmed identification, the RHS or a local garden centre can help. Page updated 19 Sep 2026.