Janet Brien's photos with the keyword: Lamium purpureum

*** First Place Winner at the Jackson County Fair! *** The countless varieties of flowers in the world simply amazes me. And yet, right here on my property, there exists an astonishing range in size, color, and shape. Today's flower is one of the weird ones that takes a moment to truly appreciate. When I first saw a Deadnettle a few years ago, I thought that this whole thing was the blossom. It makes sense though, just look at those beautiful, fuzzy, purple and green leaves! What a show!! But the actual flowers are the gorgeous pink and magenta blossoms with their hairy, hot-pink hats! Aren't these flowers amazing?! Growing low to the ground and usually in clusters, Purple Deadnettle--also known as Purple Archangel or Red Henbit--is native to Europe and Asia, but is now found at low elevations in many areas of the United States and is considered an invasive weed. Although it appears similar to nettle, it's neither related nor does it sting; thus its name, " dead nettle". The flowers, stems and leaves of young plants are very nutritious and can be used in salads and stirfrys! :D It has many medicinal uses as well, including an astringent, diuretc, blood coagulant, and laxative, to name just a few! WOW! If you would like to know more about this flower, Wiki has a page here: Deadnettle (Lamium purpureum) This image was taken in April, 2012.

Don't they look like they're singing their hearts out?! I wanted to find a really wonderful acapella video to share, but while I was looking, I found this and it's just so awesome that I hope you'll check it out too! :D Mike Tompkins: Acapella Rolling in the Deep This is a picture of a whole Purple Deadnettle plant. I am happy with the shallow dof on this image, but I think that overall, it really doesn't compare with the picture I took last year, which won a First Place at the Jackson County Fair!! :D

Last year I discovered the beautiful Purple Deadnettle flower, which was #40 in my Flowers of Spring & Summer project and I managed to get one of my favorite flower pictures! However, I was sad because I wasn't able to get a proper close-up of the amazing blossoms it has. This time I was READY! I got to practice on the smaller species, Henbit Deadnettle, and eventually I nailed the blossom shot of this tricky flower. I saw the Purple Deadnettles blooming a couple of days ago and this morning I descended on the flowers like a mad scientist, intent on getting a picture I would be happy with. This picture is what I was hoping for, showing translucence through the petals and the delicate, elegant appearance of this stunning little flower!