Lamium album (white dead-nettle) and Urtica dioica (stinging nettle, common nettle) look confusingly similar. They are not related to each other, but colonize similar habitats and can be seen growing together. I would like to describe below how they can be reliably distinguished.
Differences
It is easy to tell them apart when they are in flower. The flowers of Lamium album are zygomorphic, large and bright white. In Urtica dioica they are much smaller, yellowish-green in color and hang in panicles on the plant.
The leaves and shoots of Urtica dioica are covered with fine stinging hairs, which cause burning pain and skin irritation when touched.
Lamium album has no stinging hairs.
Urtica dioica can grow to over two meters high. Lamium album only grows to a height of just under one meter.
Similarities
The leaves of both species are pointedly ovate and serrated at the margins. When not in flower, they can best be distinguished by briefly touching them. Or, if present, by looking at the flower buds.
Lamium album and Urtica dioica grow as perennials and spread by short stolons.
Categories: Wildflowers |
