Lamium purpureum is commonly known as Purple or Red Dead-Nettle, Red Henbit and Purple Archangel. Dead-Nettle is a member of the Mint family. Though superficially similar in appearance, it is not related to Nettle, and does not sting. Purple Dead-Nettle can grow throughout the year, including mild weather in winter. This allows bees to gather its nectar for food when few other nectar sources are available. It is also a prominent source of pollen for bees in March/April, when bees need the pollen as protein to build up their nest. Young plants have edible tops and leaves, used in salads or in stir-fry as a spring vegetable. If finely chopped it can also be used in sauces. Undyed, the pollen itself is a red color and is very noticeable on the heads of bees that frequent its flowers.