Yellow archangel

Talk about exotic! Another of our fairly widespread (but hardly celebrated) woodland plants in this area is Yellow archangel, Lamiastrum galeobdolon. It is an indicator of ancient woods and hedges, but is taken rather for granted - outshone by the swathes of Wood anemones and Bluebells at this time of year. Within the deadnettle family, it has to be the prettiest, and I think the flowers are easily the equal of some of our orchids for architecture and pattern. On a dull day like today, it provides joyful splashes of colour, along with the Celendines which are still fully out.