Yellow archangel possibly sold due to a case of mistaken identity

Greetings Nursery Program Subscribers,

Yellow Archangel (Lamium galeobdolon ‘Hermann’s Pride’) was recently reported to be seen for sale at several locations in the southern Willamette Valley. Yellow archangel is an herbaceous perennial plant used as a low-growing ornamental

Why is this a concern?

Yellow Archangel is a B-listed noxious weed in the state of Oregon and is prohibited from sale.

We believe this was a case of mistaken identity and it creates a learning opportunity about the importance of correct labeling and the ever-changing nature of Latin names in botanical nomenclature.

 “Lamium” is an older name for the genus, but it is synonymous with the newer name “Lamiastrum”.  

Yellow Archangel is listed as Lamiastrum galeobdolon, on the ODA Noxious Weeds list.

2019 ODA Noxious Weed Policy and Classification System

A plant labeled Lamium may go undetected as a noxious weed. 

The take away:

Any plant labeled as Yellow Archangel/ Lamiastrum galeobdolon/ Lamium galeobdolon is illegal to sell in Oregon.

Below are some online identification resources:

Oregon Noxious Weed Profiles

Yellow Archangel, Univ. Wisconsin - Madison_Extension

As always, the Nursery Program thanks you for helping the Oregon Department of Agriculture protect our state from invasive plants and pests.

Questions? Contact Us!

Nursery Program                                                                      Noxious Weeds 

Phone: 503-986-4644                                                               Phone: 503-986-4621

Nursery@oda.state.or.us                                                           ODA Noxious Weeds Program

ODA Nursery Program webpage