Deadnettle and stinging nettle leaves

Deadnettle (Lamium spp) is similar in height and appearance to stinging nettles. It is advantagous to recognise the difference in the leaves, especially if you are not wearing gloves and you are foraging before the flowers appear. Unfortunately, deadnettles and stinging nettles often grow together. Deadnettles have smoother leaves and a green stem (white arrow). Stinging nettles leaves (red arrow) have a slightly furry appearance due to the stings.