Contents
Description
Lamium Album, commonly known as the White Deadnettle, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Lamiaceae. It is native to Europe and Asia but has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America. The plant is known for its attractive foliage and beautiful flowers that bloom in the spring and summer months. It is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks, but also has medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Lamium |
Appearance
The White Deadnettle has a low-growing habit and can reach a height of up to 30cm. The leaves are opposite, heart-shaped, and have a toothed margin. They are a pale green color and have a soft, velvety texture. The flowers are white or pinkish and are arranged in dense whorls on the stem. They bloom from April to September and are attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Care Guide
The White Deadnettle is a relatively easy plant to care for and can be grown in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:
- Water: The plant prefers evenly moist soil and should be watered regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require much fertilization, but can benefit from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun, but can tolerate some shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The White Deadnettle is generally not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, like many plants, it can be affected by aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. These can be controlled with insecticidal soap or other organic methods.
Habitat
The White Deadnettle is native to Europe and Asia, but has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America. It can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, meadows, and disturbed areas. It is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks, but can also be found growing wild.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the White Deadnettle poisonous?
A: No, the White Deadnettle is not poisonous and is safe for humans and animals to consume in small quantities.
Q: Can the White Deadnettle be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the White Deadnettle can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: Does the White Deadnettle attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the White Deadnettle is attractive to bees and other pollinators and can help support local ecosystems.
Q: Can the White Deadnettle be grown in full sun?
A: Yes, the White Deadnettle can be grown in full sun, but prefers partial shade in hot climates.
Related Plants
- Lamium maculatum
- Lamium purpureum
- Lamium galeobdolon
References
- “Lamium album.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 27, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=k810.
- “White Deadnettle.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed September 27, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/24590/lamium-album/details.
- “Lamium album (White Deadnettle).” Gardenia.net. Accessed September 27, 2021. https://www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/lamium-album-white-deadnettle.
