Yellow archangel - (lamium galeobdolon)
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What is Yellow Archangel?
Also known as artillery plant, weasel-snout, yellow Lamium, or aluminum plant, this European native wildflower was introduced to the US as an ornamental garden plant. It is a perennial groundcover plant and may exhibit upright or trailing growth habits depending on the landscape. It is an ODA B-listed noxious weed, and its sale has been banned in both Oregon and Washington. Physical Description The most common variety of invasive yellow archangel displays hairy, oppositely arranged, ovate (egg-shaped) leaves with scalloped margins and silvery variegation. Some varieties lack variegation and instead have uniformly green leaves. The yellow flowers are arranged in pairs on opposite sides of the stem. |
Why is yellow archangel a problem?
Capable of growing in full shade or full sun, with patches able to grow outwards at a rate of one meter per year, this invasive ornamental readily outcompetes many other native groundcover plants and thrives in disturbed areas such as logging or construction sites. Yellow archangel can easily regrow from root and stem cuttings, meaning that complete eradication through mechanical removal (hand pulling, digging, mowing) is very difficult, or nearly impossible in the case of large infestations. Mowing or weed whacking in particular can actually worsen infestations, as many small plant fragments can then be easily dispersed and self-propagated into new plants.
Controlling yellow archangel
Chemical control (i.e. herbicide spraying) is an effective mechanism for controlling yellow archangel populations, especially when combined with carefully applied manual control methods. While hand pulling may be effective for controlling small populations, provided great care is taken to ensure no root, stem, or leaf matter is left behind, sheet mulching is a better approach for denser patches. Repeated cycles of manual and/or chemical control may be needed each year to prevent resurgence of an infestation.
For more information on yellow archangel and it's control, follow the link below:
Capable of growing in full shade or full sun, with patches able to grow outwards at a rate of one meter per year, this invasive ornamental readily outcompetes many other native groundcover plants and thrives in disturbed areas such as logging or construction sites. Yellow archangel can easily regrow from root and stem cuttings, meaning that complete eradication through mechanical removal (hand pulling, digging, mowing) is very difficult, or nearly impossible in the case of large infestations. Mowing or weed whacking in particular can actually worsen infestations, as many small plant fragments can then be easily dispersed and self-propagated into new plants.
Controlling yellow archangel
Chemical control (i.e. herbicide spraying) is an effective mechanism for controlling yellow archangel populations, especially when combined with carefully applied manual control methods. While hand pulling may be effective for controlling small populations, provided great care is taken to ensure no root, stem, or leaf matter is left behind, sheet mulching is a better approach for denser patches. Repeated cycles of manual and/or chemical control may be needed each year to prevent resurgence of an infestation.
For more information on yellow archangel and it's control, follow the link below:
