In the forests you can see grass of bright green color with white flowers. Her leaves look like nettles. This plant is a deaf nettle, in Latin "Lamium", another name for cassock. Lamb is a groundcover. More often it is a perennial, less common annual species.
What does the plant look like?
Lamiaceae grass belongs to the family Lamiaceae. It has more than 3,500 varieties. There are about 30 species. They are distinguished by the colors of the buds and the shape of the leaves. A distinctive feature of these plants from other representatives of the flora in two-lipped flowers. Below are five petals, they are fully spliced. Above, the petals are fused in parts.
What does it look like
The stem has four faces. Several leaves grow on it. The roots have a creeping appearance. The stems reach a height of 15-45 cm. The flowers bloom from May to September.
Healing properties
Lamb is not included in the pharmacopeia of the Russian Federation. However, its properties are subject to active research. It has been scientifically proven that clementine-based products are used as hemostatic, anti-inflammatory and hypotensive.
Important! The beneficial qualities of the plant in question are related to its chemical properties.
The tannin includes tannins. They have astringent properties, which helps the skin clear itself of various inflammations: urticaria, eczema, etc. There is also mucus in the plant cells. This is an excellent expectorant. The presence of flavonoids allows you to strengthen the walls of the capillaries and reduce blood pressure.
No harmful substances were found. The use of drugs with it is prohibited if there is increased blood coagulability and chronic hypotension. An absolute contraindication to taking this plant during pregnancy, as it increases the likelihood of a miscarriage.
Brief History
The birthplace of crypt is Europe, Asia and North Africa. Many species grow around the world like weeds, from which agriculture suffers. However, some species are used as ornamental plants.
The name "Lamium" was invented by the philosopher Pliny. He made several assumptions about the origin of this name:
- from the Greek "Laimos" is translated as "mouth-throat";
- another translation option is “large cavity”;
- Lamia is the name of the Libyan queen. It appears in history as a monster that ate its own children. Lamb also swallows a bumblebee or a bee that has sat on a flower behind nectar.
Despite the similarity with nettles, it does not burn, it has soft stems. However, the plant has a very heavy and foul odor. Perhaps this is due to the fact that to drive away animals from themselves. Cattle also do not eat this grass. In addition, it resembles nettle. The plant is widespread in forests, meadows, in shady areas, near fences.
Description of Varieties
Varieties can be annual, biennial, and perennial. Species differ in color and size of leaves.
The following types of cloves are available:
Lamb purple
The carapace is purple or the carapace is pink, the carapace is purple. Petals have a shade of pink or white. Flowers are sessile. It grows 1-2 years. Flowering from April to September. The leaves below are rounded on long stems, and the top in the shape of a heart on short stems. You can multiply clover in open ground by dividing the bush.
Purple view
Spotted Lamb
In another way it is called mottled. The Latin name is "Lamium Maculatum". Flowers have a light pink or purple hue. Their length is 2-3 cm. It blooms from May to October. In height, it can grow up to 70 cm. The leaves have a small oval shape and dark green color. You can propagate by dividing the bush, layering or cuttings.
The flower is perennial. Several varieties of spotted species were bred:
- grade Bekon Silver. Silver has purple or ashen flowers and silvery leaves. For this variety silver lamb is also called;
- another popular variety is Golden Anniversary. Gold Universari grows to a length of 0.2 m. The leaves have a bright green color with a strip of silver;
- White Nancy is also known. White Nancy has silvery leaves and white flowers;
- grade Purple Dragon. The dragon has pinkish-purple petals.
White lamb
Lamb is yellow or zelenchuk
Latin names are "Yellow", "Luteum". The flowers are yellow, collected in whorls. Above the leaves have a pointed egg shape, and below the three-lobed. It blooms from May to October. Zelenchuk flower is a perennial plant. The plant can be propagated by dividing the bush, cuttings or layering.
There is a variety of this type Pride. Variety Pride is used for decorative purposes.
Lamb variegated
Perennial. Flowers with yellow petals, leaves green with yellow-green spots. Reproduction can be carried out by dividing the bush, cuttings or layering.
Felted lamb
Perennial look. The leaves are wrinkled and egg-shaped. Notches along the edge of the foliage. The flowers are pinkish white. You can propagate the above methods.
Note! Florists have the most favorite varieties of variegated species. They are used as landscaping of free space or as a separate decorative group. The plant is best planted away from hosts and geyhera.
Lamium can be an ornament of large flower beds. It can be combined in mixed compositions with ferns or bulbs. Some varieties can be used in early spring, when other flowers have not yet blossomed in the garden. With the help of this perennial, you can revive the farthest corners of the garden, the ground near the bushes and borders. The plant also grows well near stones, that is, it fits perfectly into an alpine hill or in a rocky garden. You can plant a flower next to daffodils, hyacinths, dwarf tulips. It can also be grown in containers and large vases as part of the composition.
Lamb in design
General Outdoor Care
The flower of the clove is growing very fast. Often it is mistaken for a weed. It is necessary to comply with the rules of planting and caring for spotted clam and other species, so that the plant adorns the landscape design.
Watering and humidity
This plant needs to be watered regularly and abundantly. However, stagnation of water in the roots must not be allowed. When it is hot outside, the leaves begin to dry out and curl. It is also possible to expose the shoots.
Soil selection
To grow the flower in question, it is necessary that the soil is loose and moist. Soil should contain a moderate amount of nutrients. If an excessive amount of nutrients is present in the soil, the plant will begin to grow rapidly, which will interfere with the growth of other specimens.
Important! On humus soil, the plant blooms especially well.
Location selection and lighting
This flower is unpretentious in the care and cultivation. It can be planted in any area with partial shade. Ideal location near shrubs along a wall or fence.
Fertilizers and fertilizing
At the beginning of growth, the flower is necessarily fed with liquid types of fertilizers. Mullein or mineral supplements can be used.
Important! You can’t get carried away with top dressing. Otherwise, the flower will grow very much and turn into a weed, which destroys all the plants in its path.
Diseases and Pests
The plant in question destroys all weeds within the space of its growth. When in the summer there is a lot of rain or moisture remains on the leaves for a long time, then a fungal disease may appear on it. If the summer is dry, this can lead to the fact that whiteflies and scaleflies attack the flower. No less dangerous is the spider mite. If signs of the disease or traces of parasites are found, then the plant must be immediately treated with insecticides and folk remedies.
Lambweed grows well in forests, but it is used as a decoration for a garden plot. In care, it is unpretentious, but it is worth controlling its growth so that other plants do not suffer due to its strong growth.
