Overview of Lamium amplexicaule L. var. album A.L. & M.C. Pickens
Lamium amplexicaule L. var. album A.L. & M.C. Pickens is a white-flowered variety of the species commonly known as henbit, a member of the Lamiaceae family. This plant is native to Europe and Asia, but has spread to other areas of the world, including North America.
Common Names
Henbit is the most common name for Lamium amplexicaule, but it is also known by several other names, such as deadnettle, blind nettle, and common lamium. The white-flowered variety is specifically referred to as Lamium amplexicaule var. album.
Uses
Lamium amplexicaule var. album has been used as a medicinal plant in traditional medicine for centuries. Parts of the plant, including the leaves and flowers, have been used to treat a variety of ailments, such as coughs, colds, and inflammation. The plant also has diuretic and laxative properties.
In addition to its medicinal properties, henbit is also used as a food source for livestock, and the leaves can be added to salads or cooked as a vegetable. It is also used as a ground cover in landscaping, due to its low-growing and spreading nature.
General Appearance
Lamium amplexicaule var. album is a winter annual plant that grows to be 4-16 inches (10-40cm) tall. It has square stems that are covered in fine hairs, and opposite leaves that clasp the stem, giving it the appearance of being "amphibious." The leaves are green and slightly crinkled, with a toothed margin.
The flowers of henbit are white, trumpet-shaped, and grow in whorls around the stem. They bloom from March to May. The plant produces small, edible nutlets which can be used as a wild food source.
Light Requirements
Lamium amplexicaule L. var. album A.L. & M.C. Pickens grows well in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate up to 4 hours of direct sunlight per day, but prefers filtered light. In areas with hot summers, it may require protection from intense afternoon sun.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is well adapted to a wide range of temperatures. It can survive winter temperatures as low as -25°F (-32°C) and summer temperatures as high as 90°F (32°C). However, it does best in moderate temperatures between 60-75°F (15.5-24°C).
Soil Requirements
Lamium amplexicaule L. var. album A.L. & M.C. Pickens grows well in a variety of soil types, but prefers moist, well-draining soils. It can tolerate slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH range of 5.5-7.0. Adding organic matter to the soil can be beneficial, especially for heavy clay soils, as it improves soil drainage and fertility.
Cultivation of Lamium amplexicaule L. var. album A.L. & M.C. Pickens
Lamium amplexicaule L. var. album A.L. & M.C. Pickens, commonly known as Dead-nettle, is a perennial plant that thrives in well-drained soils. It can grow up to a height of 8-10 inches and spread to approximately double in width.
To cultivate this plant, you will need to choose a spot with partial shade, especially during the hot summer months. The Dead-nettle can also grow in full sunlight, but it may require regular watering to prevent the soil from drying out.
It is advisable to plant the Lamium amplexicaule L. var. album A.L. & M.C. Pickens in the spring when the soil is warm enough, and there is a good chance of rain. Begin by removing any weeds or debris from the planting site. Incorporate some organic matter to improve soil quality and structure. Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the root ball, and place it in the hole, covering it with soil.
Watering Needs
Dead-nettle requires regular watering, especially in hot and dry weather. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week to keep the soil moist. You can check the moisture level by sticking a finger into the soil. If the soil feels dry to a depth of an inch or so, it's time to give it a good soaking.
However, it is essential not to overwater the plant as it can lead to root rot. Make sure the soil has adequate drainage, and avoid watering the foliage, which can encourage fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Dead-nettle does not require excessive fertilization, but it can benefit from a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the early spring. You can apply a 10-10-10 fertilizer at a rate of one pound per 100 square feet.
Avoid overfeeding the plant, as it can lead to overgrowth and weak stems. You can also incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to improve nutrient levels.
Pruning
Dead-nettle requires minimal pruning, but you can pinch back new growth in the early spring to encourage bushier growth. You can also prune the plant after flowering to remove faded blooms and promote the growth of new growth and blooms.
Dead-nettle does not usually have pest or disease problems, making it a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in most gardens. Following these tips on cultivation and care can help you grow a healthy and robust Lamium amplexicaule L. var. album A.L. & M.C. Pickens in your garden.
Propagation of Lamium amplexicaule L. var. album A.L. & M.C. Pickens
Lamium amplexicaule L. var. album A.L. & M.C. Pickens, commonly known as white dead-nettle, is a low-growing perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. The plant is native to Europe and Asia and is widely used as a medicinal plant due to its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. The plant is also grown as an ornamental plant for its attractive foliage and flowers.
Propagation methods
Lamium amplexicaule L. var. album A.L. & M.C. Pickens can be propagated using several methods, including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and tissue culture.
1. Seed propagation: The plant produces small, brownish-black seeds that can be collected when ripe in late summer or early fall. The seeds can be sown directly in the garden in the fall or early spring or started indoors in containers. To sow the seeds directly in the garden, prepare the soil by removing weeds and loosening the soil. Sow the seeds thinly, cover them with a thin layer of soil, and water them well. Keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge. To start the seeds indoors, fill containers with seed-starting mix, sow the seeds thinly, cover them lightly with soil, and water them well. Place the containers in a warm, bright location, and keep the soil moist. When the seedlings have grown two or three true leaves, they can be transplanted into larger containers or into the garden.
2. Vegetative propagation: The plant can be propagated vegetatively using stem cuttings or division. To propagate using stem cuttings, take stem cuttings of 3-4 inches long from healthy plants, remove the lower leaves, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in containers filled with well-draining soil mix, keep them moist and warm, and wait until they produce roots. To propagate by division, dig up the plant in early spring or fall, divide the clump into several sections, and replant them in well-draining soil.
3. Tissue culture: Tissue culture is a laboratory-based method that involves growing plant cells in a nutrient-rich medium to produce clones of the parent plant. This method is more complicated and requires specialized equipment and expertise, making it less commonly used for propagation of Lamium amplexicaule L. var. album A.L. & M.C. Pickens.
Disease Management
Lamium amplexicaule L. var. album A.L. & M.C. Pickens is susceptible to a range of diseases that can affect its overall health and appearance. Some of the most common diseases that might affect this plant include:
- Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering, poorly drained soils, or fungal infections. To manage root rot, reduce watering frequency, improve soil drainage, and remove affected roots.
- Leaf spot: Leaf spot is caused by fungal infections and can lead to the development of yellow or brown spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, remove infected leaves and reduce watering frequency.
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected leaves and stems, increase air circulation around the plant, and apply fungicides.
Pest Management
Several pests might damage Lamium amplexicaule L. var. album A.L. & M.C. Pickens, affecting its growth and health. Some common pests that might affect this plant include:
- Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems of the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage aphids, wash the plant with water, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, and remove affected plant parts.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellow or brown spots on leaves and a general decline in plant health. To manage spider mites, increase humidity around the plant, wash the plant with water, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, and remove affected plant parts.
- Slugs and snails: Slugs and snails can cause damage to Lamium amplexicaule L. var. album A.L. & M.C. Pickens, feeding on leaves and flowers. To manage slugs and snails, remove them by hand or apply slug bait around the plant.
