Lamium album aka White Dead Nettle
Taxonomy
Lamium album, also known as white nettle or white dead-nettle, is a flowering plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. This perennial species is native to Europe and Asia and can be found in various habitats, ranging from open grasslands to woodlands, especially in moist and fertile soils.
Characterized by its downy nature, Lamium album spreads through rhizomatous stolons. Its stems are square-shaped, accompanied by pairs of toothed, stalked, and slightly heart-shaped leaves. From March to late autumn, the plant produces white flowers in whorls within the leaf axils. These flowers have hairy upper hoods and toothed lower lips, serving as a nectar source for insects with long tongues, such as bumble bees and mason bees.
Growing up to 0.60 meters in height, Lamium album is a perennial plant. It is harvested from the wild for local use, serving purposes such as food, medicine, and as a source of materials.
Common names
White Dead Nettle, White Nettle, Blind NettleHow to care for White Dead Nettle
Difficulty
Caring for White Dead Nettle is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.
Water
White Dead Nettle should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
White Dead Nettle loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the White Dead Nettle prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for White Dead Nettle to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.
Fertilizer
The White Dead Nettle is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.
Region of origin
White Dead Nettle’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to Spain, the Himalayas and Japan.
More info:
Wikipedia
