Yellow Archangel

Lamiastrum galeobdolon ssp. argentatum


Yellow archangel flowers and leaves

The third of our trio of dead-nettles does not exactly belong here because this blog is about wild flowers. Although yellow archangel is undoubtedly a wild flower, the subspecies to be found in Leazes Park is a garden escapee Lamiastrum galeobdolon ssp.argentatum. It is characterised by silvery patches on the leaves and a more spreading habit. Some people view it as an invasive species that should be dug up. It is certainly doing a good job of taking over some corners of the park so perhaps they are right. The superior ground covering ability that appealed to gardeners could become a problem in this setting.  Nonetheless it has most of the features of its wild cousin so it will be discussed here.
The generic features of dead-nettle have been described in the blog post describing red dead-nettle. Yellow archangel conforms to that dead-nettle body plan and is easily distinguished from white dead nettle by the vivid yellow flowers that are again arranged in whorls around the stem with old flowers towards the base and younger flowers at the apex.
There is an overhanging upper lip under which lie the stamens and the stigma. The lower lip is less prominent and has a brownish pattern that perhaps serves to attract the interest of bees and other pollinators. As with other dead-nettles the leaves have a toothed and hairy appearance that invites caution because of their similarity to the leaves of stinging nettles.

Variegated leaves of argentatum subspecies of yellow archangel

In the centre calyx with five teeth and 4 nutlets visible at the bottom.
To the right, the lower lip with brownish stripes can be seen 

Flower seen from below with stamens visible in the concavity of the upper lip

Where to find yellow archangel in Leazes Park

The best places seem to be close to some of the boundaries which make me wonder if it arose from garden waste tipped over a fence. Unfortunately people do that sort of thing.

Some locations (yellow arrows) to find yellow archangel in early spring

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