Lamium galeobdolon - Yellow Deadnettle

Lamium galeobdolon, formerly known as Lamiastrum galeobdolon or more commonly known as yellow archangel or yellow deadnettle, is a perennial herbaceous plant that forms a thick 30cm (12in) carpet, with light green veined foliage that is roughly toothed and irregularly speckled with silver-grey. It produces rhizomes and stolons that allow for rapid colonisation of moist and shaded areas, even under trees. Leafy yellow spikes rise above the carpet during the summer. This plant is easy to establish, but it can sometimes become invasive.

The galeobdolon species is native to Europe and Asia Minor and is very hardy down to -20°C (-4°F). This excellent ground cover brings freshness and a beautiful carpeting effect with its thick vegetation comparable to that of periwinkle, but with semi-evergreen foliage of a lighter shade. The short-petioled leaves have an elliptical, pointed, and roughly toothed lamina, 2 to 3cm (1in) long, reminiscent of nettle leaves but non-stinging. However, they emit an unpleasant odour when crushed. They are arranged in an opposite manner along square stems and form scattered rosettes along reddish stolons. The flowers are bilabiate, as in all members of the Lamiaceae family, and reach 18mm (1in). They are grouped in leafy spikes that stand upright, delivering a bright yellow that illuminates the base of trees and bushes.

Very hardy, it quickly colonises embankments and thrives at the base of trees alongside daffodils, notably Narcissus 'Actaea', with which it forms a perfect duo. With rapid growth and a tendency to become invasive, reserve this plant for wild areas to form a carpet that prevents weeds from growing. You can associate Lamiastrum with vigorous perennials such as Geranium macrorrhizum, Epimedium perralchicum, and 'Red Dragon' knotweed.

Did you know? The word galeobdolon comes from the Greek galê, meaning "weasel, polecat," and bdolos, meaning "stench," in reference to the leaves that emit an unpleasant odour when crushed.