UNOBTRUSIVES: 5. RED DEAD NETTLE

The upright, square flower stalks of red dead nettle carry pink flowers and reddish leaves at the top although lower down the leaves are green. 

It is another spreader and will grow in disturbed ground or in short grass, making a colourful display.  Although it is called a nettle it doesn't sting and is not related to stinging nettles

It is a great supplier of pollen and nectar for early flying insects like bumble bees and the red mason bee, when few other plants are in flower.  The pollen is actually red and shows up on the heads of insects that have visited the flowers.

I have read that the caterpllars of three moths feed on the leaves:  Garden Tiger, White Ermine and Angle Shades.  I love those mothy names.

  

Photos courtesy of Butterfly Conservation