Archangel
Lamium (sometimes lamiastrum) galeobdolon, a member of the mint family, and also known as yellow dead-nettle, yellow weasel-snout, and artillery plant, is generally referred to as yellow archangel. It is a common woodland and hedgerow plant, flowering from late spring. It is often an indicator of ancient woodland and a useful food source for bees and other pollinators.
Though its leaves look like those of stinging nettles, it is benign, and is one of the common red, white and yellow dead nettles. It provides effective ground cover and grows best in moist conditions, though it can adapt quickly to drier soil.
Although it does not sting, it is mildly poisonous to domestic pets if consumed, but the leaves and stems can safely be eaten by humans in salads, or cooked, in a similar fashion to nettles.
The plants have been used by herbalists to relieve ailments as diverse as kidney problems, sciatica, and allergies.
An introduced garden strain, Lamiastrum galeobdolon argentatum or Florentinum has bold silver markings on its leaves. It is sometimes called the aluminium archangel, and, like many non-native species, it can become invasive in conditions favourable to it.
All of the dead-nettles are referred to as ‘archangels’ because their leaves are said to look like an angel’s wings. Another explanation is that the flower clusters resemble choristers in their robes. A third reason given is that some species of the plant, notably the red and white dead-nettles, open their flowers around St Michael’s Day, on 27th April.
St Michael the Archangel is often considered the most important of the angels, though still among the lowest orders of angels, which are ranked as Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones, followed by the middle orders of Dominions, Virtues and Powers. The lowest ranks are Principalities, Archangels and Angels.
The dead-nettles are not bound by such a hierarchy!
The plants in my garden are variegated yellow dead-nettles, and the flowers are not yet fully open on this day following St Michael’s Day.
The common names of ‘archangel’ and ‘dead-nettle’ have been used for centuries. More information can be found here.
Beautiful! I love that Oscar Wilde quote by the way. It's always been a favorite of mine.
ReplyDeleteFlowers that are easily overlooked, but they have their own beauty.
DeleteReally lovely plant. It's so interesting all the names it has.
ReplyDeleteIt spreads like mad, but I like it.
DeleteIt is a gorgeous plant, we have a healthy hearty one with purple flowers, I would love to use it as a ground cover!
ReplyDeleteI agree. It's lovely.
DeleteA graceful and useful plant, the yellow archangel is both a symbol of tradition and a resilient presence in the garden, though its variegated forms require careful management.
ReplyDeleteAny introduced species must be monitored carefully - like rabbits in Australia!
DeleteThis plant is the bane of my existence! (Slight exaggeration.) When I bought my property 40 years ago, there was a small bit of it in the existing garden plot. Today it is everywhere, into the woods, lining the road leading from our drive, and possibly growing out my ears. It grips whatever ground it touches and won't let go. I've never seen a more invasive plant.
ReplyDelete'possibly growing out my ears' - 😂😁🤣
DeleteI wonder if we have any in our garden, I'll go and look for it. Husband's sister gave us some lemon balm and that has gone all over everywhere.
ReplyDeleteLemon balm is part of the mint family and shares its characteristics. It's contained in a hay rack in my garden.
DeleteI haven't heard of this plant and thought at first you were going to write about the "heavenly archangels".
ReplyDelete😂🤣😁
DeleteMildly poisonous to pet animals, but will cause no harm to humans. I'll give it a miss, thanks. The alleged mushroom murderer woman is standing trial here. I am sure you will hear about it.
ReplyDeleteGrapes and chocolate are toxic to dogs but not to people . . .
DeleteI think I have heard something about the mushroom murderer, or perhaps it's a murder mystery I'm thinking of.
A remarkably beautiful plant
ReplyDeleteI agree.
DeleteWell it seems we have got a lot of lamiastrum galeobdolon argentatum in our garden though I never knew it was called that until now. It spreads like a weed but I do not mind too much as it is an attractive plant and it blocks opportunities for weedier weeds.
ReplyDeleteGood for the bees, too, and goodness knows they need all the help they can get.
DeleteWhat a pretty plant that is. I've heard of this before but not sure if I've ever seen one.
ReplyDeleteIt's not native to USA and can become a nuisance.
DeleteI think I'd rather people check out my Archangel than my Dead Nettle.
ReplyDelete😁
DeleteWhat an interesting plant!
ReplyDeleteSuch a simple plant . . .
DeleteThey look really beautiful and quite interesting. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThey can become garden thugs . . .
ReplyDeleteArchangel is a very pretty name, so to me calling them Dead Nettle seems an insult!
ReplyDeleteArchangel is a much more dignified name. 🤣😂
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of them but they are pretty yellow color.
ReplyDeleteThey attract bees, too.
DeleteWe have those in our garden! Also a purple variety with striped leaves.
ReplyDeleteSnazzy!
DeleteI love that they are called yellow archangels in English. We inherited these with our garden and they still keep popping up in the most unexpected places year after year. I had no idea they were mildly poisonous to pets! xxx
ReplyDeleteIt's probably only inexperienced youngsters who would try to eat them, and they wouldn't come to much harm.
DeleteThe yellow flowers by the variegated leaves do look nice.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting read, thank you.
All the best Jan
Thank you, Jan.
DeleteWhat a lovely post. I love the photos of nature. It's so nice to be outside and appreciate the great outdoors. Winter felt so long. I got a cabinet painting in my kitchen which helped it go faster, but bring on Spring! I love it.
ReplyDeleteSpring is full of promise.
DeleteAt our first house I tried growing a lamium cultivar as a ground cover under the deck. To my surprise it did not thrive.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that strange?
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