Yellow Archangel (also known as Yellow Dead-nettle or Artillery Plant)
Kingdom: Plantae; Division: Magnoliophyta; Class: Magnoliopsida; Order: Lamiales; Family: Lamiaceae; Genus: Lamium; Species: Lamium galeobdolon · Lamiaceae (Mint family) · Simple; Deciduous (though some cultivars are semi-evergreen in mild climates)
Species
Lamium galeobdolon
Leaf Type
Simple; Deciduous (though some cultivars are semi-evergreen in mild climates)
Family
Lamiaceae (Mint family)
Shape
Ovate to cordate (heart-shaped) with a pointed tip
Size
Approximately 1.5 to 3 inches in length; the specimen shown appears to be about 2 inches wide, consistent with the typical range for lower stem leaves.
Margin
Coarsely and sharply serrate (toothed)
Arrangement
Opposite (pairs at right angles along a square stem)
Rarity
Very Common in its native range; often locally abundant as an escapee in non-native regions.
Color & Pattern
Dark green base; some subspecies or cultivars show silver variegation (though this specimen is mostly green). Flowers are pale yellow with brown/orange streaks.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate and reticulate; veins are deeply impressed on the upper surface.
Texture & Surface
Hairy (pubescent) and rugose (wrinkled); the surface is somewhat matte and soft to the touch.
Description
A spreading perennial herb that forms dense mats via runners. It features characteristic square stems of the mint family and produces whorls (verticillasters) of hooded yellow flowers in late spring. The leaves are sharply toothed and often heart-shaped at the base.
Key Features
Square stem, hooded yellow flowers in whorls, opposite serrated leaves, and a creeping stoloniferous growth habit.
Habitat
Deciduous woodlands, hedge banks, and shaded garden borders; prefers moist, nitrogen-rich soils.
Geographic Range
Native to Europe and Western Asia; introduced and often considered invasive in North America (particularly the Pacific Northwest) and New Zealand.
Condition Notes
The specimen is a pressed, dried herbarium sample. The leaf shows minor mechanical damage (small holes) and slight browning of the flower hood, but the morphological features remain distinct. Overall health grade: Good (preserved).
Interesting Facts
The name 'Dead-nettle' refers to the fact that while it looks like a stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), it lacks stinging hairs and is harmless. It was historically used in European folk medicine.
Medicinal & Uses
Used traditionally as an astringent and for respiratory issues; primarily used today as a shade-tolerant groundcover in landscaping, though it must be managed to prevent spreading.
Ecological Role
Provides nectar for long-tongued bees, particularly bumblebees. In non-native areas, it can suppress native woodland flora by forming dense monocultures.
Similar Species
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) - has stinging hairs and lacks yellow flowers. White Dead-nettle (Lamium album) - has white flowers. Spotted Dead-nettle (Lamium maculatum) - has purple/pink flowers.
Foraging Tips
Look for this plant in shaded forest edges in early summer when the yellow flowers are most visible. Edible in small quantities but tastes somewhat earthy/musty.
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic to humans and most pets, though as with many mints, excessive consumption may cause minor gastric upset in sensitive individuals.