Is this bird shit on these leaves or is it part of the plant?

[CurlyhairedAssassin]

A bit weird, I know. . I assume it might be a weed, I dug it up from a shady corner. But it’s by the bird bath and I thought it was bird poo at first but it would have had to have been a good aim and very artistic to get it down the middle of each leaf.

That is part of the plant. It is variegated.

Yes, I kind of assumed it wasn't a very talented Turner prize winning bird. But I just wondered if anyone knew what it actually was? It doesn't smell of anything. Leaves are slightly hairy. Looks like it might be a woodland kind of plant?

I wonder if they are dead nettles, not actually dead, that's their name

Oh!!! Could it be lamium maculatum?? I think that could be it! I've been here 18 years and never seen it. Must have been dormant or something, we've really dug over that corner a few weeks back.

I've hurriedly put it back in the soil ha ha. Yes, I think you're right, Dogs, that's come up as their common name.

Its spotted dead nettle

I think its edible or you can make nettle tea

I've just read that it's good for the bees so as long as it doesn't appear to take over I'll leave it in the soil for them.

I’ve got a bit of dead nettle in the garden, it seems quite well behaved, hasn’t taken over. Glad you’re keeping it.