Snow and flower

I took this photo Saturday morning after a late winter snowfall. The purple flowers sticking out of the snow belong to a wildflower called dead nettle. It is native to Europe and Asia, but has become naturalized throughout much of North America.

The dead nettle is related to a much taller plant called the stinging nettle. The stinging nettle will impale your hand and fingers with tiny needles if you handle it. The tiny needles will sting and are near impossible to remove. Dead nettle is so named because it has no stinging ability.

Leaves and flowers of the dead nettle are known to be edible, although I have never tried them. You can do an online search to learn how to prepare them. Obviously, dead nettle is one of the earliest flowers to bloom in spring.