Lamiastrum galeobdolon - Yellow Archangel - (Lamiaceae)

A member of the mint family, this spring flower is sometimes referred to as yellow deadnettle. It is a perennial and prefers damp places and partial shade. Yellow Archangel is localised in parts of England and Wales, but seldom seen in the far north.

This plant has grown in woodlands and hedgerows for hundreds of years and is, therefore, indicative of ancient sites. It often grows with Bluebells, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, and comes into flower just as they fade and die back.

Yellow Archangel

Although found in the wild this picture shows the subspecies argentatum, a popular garden plant because of its variegated leaves.

The main flowering period is in May and June, but following a mild winter you may find yellow archangel in bloom as early as April.

Closeup of flowers of Yellow Archangel

The photographs on this page were taken in West Wales.