In the spring, the red buds are in full bloom as they drive down the Ohio 600 road to Gibsonburg. You may be surprised by the ground cover that matches the color of the nipples. This is the purple nettle that is an invasive plant in the United States.
This colored weed appears to cover larger patches of soil throughout Ohio each year and is particularly noticeable on the roadsides and in agricultural areas. Unfortunately, he also owns courtyards and gardens.
According to Joe Boggs, an assistant professor in the Department of Entomology at Ohio State University, the magenta nettle (Lamium purpureum) is another member of the Lamiaceae family. It grows in annual winter, cold months and blooms in spring.
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Nectar attracts bees, can be used in soups, salads, teas, but first consult a doc
“Although purple nettle is a weed, you may find it interesting and important that it is a food source for pollinators in early spring,” he explained. “The nectar of nettle is attractive to bumblebees, honey bees and digging bees, a group of large bees that nest in the ground.”
In addition to providing food for pollinators, the plant can also be consumed by humans and used for medicinal purposes. Susan Patterson, a certified health coach, master gardener and sustainability expert, teaches people how to feed plants for food and medicine. He says it got its name because it resembles nettle in appearance.
Patterson said the purple nettle can be used in salads, soups, mixed into smoothies or made into tea. The oil in the seeds contains an antioxidant.
It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal effects. In addition, it is diuretic, astringent, and can reduce abnormal sweating. Patterson warns the public that this will be used without consulting a medical provider.
The cunning weed is sown before the mowing season
Aggressive grower, the plant has a unique square stem and grows up to 16 inches tall. Its tiny purple flowers are highlighted by leaves that begin to turn green at the base but turn purple toward the top. They are usually less than an inch and have serrated edges.
This cunning weed is sown before the mowing season. A plant can produce thousands of seeds that fall to the ground and can dormant in the soil for years.
It serves as a ground cover in most agricultural areas and does not compete with summer crops such as corn and soybeans, although it can reduce the growth of alfalfa or clover, as well as on pastures where animals have been grazed.
Lawns, such as golf courses, compete with nettles.
Control
The defense depends on the location and intensity of the dead nettle.
Gardeners and homeowners may prefer weed-free sites, in which case purple nettle can be eradicated by manual weeding and cultivation. If the nettle has just begun to appear in the garden, you can remove the plant by grabbing the stem and pulling out the root system. You want to do this before the plant produces seeds this year.
This is a process that needs to be repeated every year because of the seeds hidden in the soil of previous seasons.
Ground cover can help keep nettles away
Ground cover can be an effective defense because it prevents the seed from sprouting. After removing the purple nettle plants, apply a 2-3 inch layer of ground cover. A good example of this is garden compost, wood chips, shredded bark or other organic matter. Keep in mind that organic mulch thins over time, so you need to apply another coat every spring.
The final solution is chemical protection.
“A post-emergence, broadleaf herbicide can be used to control a flowering plant in early spring, but a preemergent herbicide should be used at the end of the summer to control this winter’s annual germinating seeds,” Boggs said, suggesting you choose to use the herbicide. follow the instructions on the label.
Christine Michael is a member of Sandusky-Ottawa County Master Gardeners at the Ohio State University Extension Service.