Red Deadnettle

Description:

A small flowering plant with a superficial resemblance to a nettle, but does not sting. Leaves are green at the base of the plant, and purple at the top. The small pinkish purple flowers can bloom all throughout the year, and are especially important during spring as they provide an important source of pollen for bees.

Habitat:

Quite widespread, I have found it growing by roadsides and in parks. These plants were found in a wet meadow next to a river.

Notes:

I found these by the side of the Colne River between Colchester and Wivenhoe.