Lamiastrum galeobdolon

A stoloniferous perennial from the Lamiaceae family, the yellow archangel is widespread in Europe, from the British Isles to Western Asia. It colonizes cool and shady undergrowth, moist edges, and wooded banks, on humus-rich soils.

The plant forms vigorous creeping carpets, with a height of 10 to 15 cm. The oval and crenate leaves have silvery patches between the veins, particularly bright in areas of dense shade. The bright yellow bilabiate flowers are grouped in axillary whorls. In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from April to June.

Its entirely yellow flowers, without contrasting spots on the lower lip, distinguish it from other deadnettles and justify its placement in a distinct genus.

In cultivation, it requires a cool and humus-rich soil, in shade or partial shade. It is one of the few ground covers capable of effectively colonizing areas where nothing else establishes, under trees or along dense hedges.