False Lamium

Lamiastrum galeobdolon 'Variegata' (Wikipedia, GoBotany, USDA), a.k.a. Lamium galeobdolon (see Wikipedia for discussion), Yellow Henbit, and Yellow Archangel, is a semi-evergreen groundcover perennial frequently sold for it love of shady places. It has opposite leaves with toothed edges. It spreads through runners.

Flowers

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 are 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 inevitable leave behind enough root material for the plant to regrow in multiple places.

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