Yellow Archangel

Species

Lamiastrum galeobdolon

Yellow Archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdolon) is considered a shade tolerant species which is commonly found in hanging baskets and as ground cover. With many methods of reproduction, yellow rchangel can spread rapidly, covering natural forest floors while not providing any nutritional or cover value to animals.

Currently abundant in the Lower Mainland, yellow archangel can also be found on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands along with several isolated patches within BC. Easily escaping from gardens and residential properties, this plant can be found taking over natural vegetation in forested areas, green belts, and riparian areas.

Yellow archangel can be identified by its trailing ground cover growth, sometimes growing uprights if it is attempting to grow over something. They have hairy oval shaped tooth leaves, typically with silver-gray markings. Their flowers are small and yellow with orange and brown markings; flowers will form into 4 nutlets containing one seed each.

Yellow archangel has several forms of reproduction including: seed dispersal, fragmentation, and nodes on their stem. With multiple forms of spread, it is important to properly care for existing yellow archangel plants and avoid purchasing them. When choosing ornamental plants please be ‘PlantWise’ and replace with non-invasive alternatives.