White Dead-Nettle

Lamium album This perennial herb is common in England but very rare in Scotland north of the Caledonian canal. In Ireland it is found mainly in the east. It occurs in hedgebanks, roadsides, gardens and waste places and flowers from March to December.

This species was used as a vegetable in France until the last century and still occurs as an ingredient in some French dishes today. In Sweden it was formerly used as a pot-herb and as herbal tea. Robinson says, ‘It is an exhilarating herb, driving away melancholy, and it makes the heart merry.’ It is also called Archangel because the flowers are supposed to open on the day dedicated to the Archangel Michael. As with the stinging nettle, it is best to use only fresh young shoots and leaves.