Nettle question

[hoodat]

Does anyone know if dead nettle has the same nutritional value as stinging nettle? I know both are edible to rabbits but whereas I am able to find all sorts of information on stinging nettle as hay I am unable to find much info on dead nettle Re rabbit nutrition.

 

[MaggieJ]

As far as I can tell from comparing the scientific classifications for the two plants, they are not even related. Common names for plants are so misleading.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stinging_nettle
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamium_purpureum

 

[hoodat]

The white dead nettle is an interesting example of plant mimicry. It looks almost identical to the stinging nettle but without the barbs. Its looks keep many animals from eating it for fear of the sting just as many flies mimic bees so predators will leave them alone.
I did find that it is edible to both humans and foraging animals so I guess it's safe to feed.

 

[MaggieJ]

Good to know it is safe, Hoodat. If fed in a mix of greens, I'm sure it must have some valuable properties to contribute. We may be able to find out by seeing what it contributes to human nutrition.