If you haven’t noticed it yet, take up an image, keep it in mind, watch for it. It’s out there. Even now.

Purple Deadnettle (Hamamelis virginiana) is a member of the mint family. Its square stem is a sure sign of that heritage. It’s an herbaceous plant not native to North America but to Europe and Asia. It is certainly invasive but can easily be pulled thanks to shallow roots.

Being an annual winter weed, Purple Deadnettle quickly takes over farmer’s fields turning them into colorful and, to my eye, beautiful fields. And why the name, Deadnettle? That name is in reference to the resemblance of the leaves to leaves in the Nettle family and their stinging hairs. However Purple Deadnettle leaves do not have stinging hairs. They are safe, or “dead,” and not a problem to touch.