Japanese dead nettle
Meehania urticifolia
Family: Lamiaceae
What it is like
A hairy herb. It grows 15-30 cm tall. The leaves are 3-5 cm long. They are triangle or heart shaped and have coarse teeth. The flower spikes are one sided. They are bluish-purple with purple spots on the lower lips. There are 3-12 flowers on a stalk.
There are about 6 Meehania species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in mossy areas in conifer and mixed forests in north China. It suits plant hardiness zones 5-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, China, Japan, Korea, Russia
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Leaves