Lamiastrum galeobdolon 'Variegata' a.k.a. Lamium galeobdolon

Yellow Henbit and Yellow Archangel are semi-evergreen groundcover perennials frequently sold for their love of shady places. It has opposite leaves with toothed edges. It spreads through runners.

Like many plants in the mint family, it is invasive and hard to remove when it escapes into the woods. In Acton, notable infestations on town land are:

Nashoba Brook Conservation Land, at Wheeler Lane (a group of local citizens is doing a great job of starting the abatement)

Between the parking lot for R.J. Grey Jr. High and Capt. Brown's Lane (the trail comes in between #9 and #11 Capt. Brown's Lane)

A small infestation was discovered in 2024 on Great Hill, north of the Northern Piper Rd. entrance trail, about 150 ft. in from the road.

Removal

Removal of False Lamium is difficult. It is critical to remove as much of the root as possible when pulling up the vines. An initial pass at pulling up the vines will inevitably leave behind enough root material for the plant to regrow in multiple places.

Removed plants should be bagged and placed in the trash (do not compost).

Common Mis-Identifications

False Lamium is often confused with Bishops goutweed or ground elder (Aegopodium podagrari), which has tiny white flowers in a cluster and is also invasive in Massachusetts. Spotted Deadnettle (Lamium maculatum) is another look-alike with small violet flowers and is also considered invasive in Massachusetts.