Lamium album, commonly known as white dead-nettle, is a species of flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae. The spelling of the word "lamium" in IPA phonetic transcription is "ˈleɪmiəm", with the stress on the first syllable. The "a" in "album" is pronounced as "æ" in IPA, and the stress falls on the second syllable: "ˈælbəm". This plant is native to Europe and Asia, and it is commonly found in meadows, woods, and waste places.
Lamium album, commonly known as white dead-nettle, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is native to Europe and Western Asia but has also been naturalized in parts of North America. "Lamium" is derived from the Latin word "lame" which means "throat", referring to the shape of the flowers that resemble a throat. "Album" is a Latin word that means "white".
White dead-nettle is a low-growing plant, typically reaching a height of about 30 to 50 centimeters. It has square stems that are covered in fine hairs. The leaves are opposite, heart-shaped, and have toothed margins. The plant produces clusters of tubular white flowers that emerge from the leaf axils, forming whorls of blossoms along the stem. These flowers are attractive to various pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
In traditional medicine, certain parts of Lamium album have been used for their medicinal properties. The leaves are often dried and brewed as an herbal tea, which is believed to have diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and astringent effects. It has also been used to relieve symptoms of cough, bronchitis, and menstrual cramps. Furthermore, the plant has culinary uses, with the young leaves and shoots consumed as a cooked green vegetable or added to salads.
White dead-nettle is an adaptable and hardy plant that thrives in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, meadows, and gardens. It provides valuable nectar and pollen for pollinators, making it a beneficial addition to gardens aimed at supporting biodiversity.
The word "Lamium" derives from the Greek word "laimos", which means "throat". This is due to the shape of the flowers in the Lamium genus, which resemble the open mouth of a beast. "Album" comes from the Latin word for "white", referring to the characteristic white flowers of the Lamium album species.