My Corner Online

 

Spotted Dead Nettle

 

First bloom date:

2019 April 5

Lamium maculatum | Spotted Dead Nettle

Lamiaceae (Mint family) (Pronounced lay-mee-AY-see-I)

Pronounced LAY-mee-um   Mak-yew-LAY-tum

The name "lamium" is from a Greek word "laimos" or "lamos" which means throat as it refers to the throat-like appearance of the corolla (cup) of the flower.

The word "maculatum” means "spotted" referring to the spots on the leaves. The spots seem more like skunk-like stripes to me.

The name “deadnettle” is because the plant leaves resemble the leaves to stinging nettle, but without the sting, hence why it is "dead."

The plant is a perennial ground cover that grows in the shade where other plants, except weeds, might not grow. This I can understand as it is in the mint family and mint spreads!

The plant is less than 12 inches in height.

The flowers are lilac in color.

I had it in my garden one year. I see it in the stores and I like it. I would like to have it again as the leaves and flowers are pretty to me.

Leaf size, shape, variegation, and color vary a lot, even on one plant.

This plant is a great filler between Hostas and ferns.

2019

 

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