The name “Madonna’s Milk” for Lamium maculatum probably arose from Christian folklore and medieval plant symbolism. The white markings on the leaves of spotted dead nettle probably suggested drops of milk to medieval Christians who often named plants after religious figures or events due to their perceived appearance. Milk is often associated with motherhood and nourishment which suggests the Virgin Mary’s role as the mother and nurturing caretaker of Jesus, and the name “Madonna’s Milk” arose for the plant.
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Also known as spotted henbit and purple dragon, this herbaceous perennial is native to Europe and Asia where it grows variety of habitats from open grassland to woodland. It is a member of the plant family Lamiaceae that also includes mint, basal and beebalm. Plants grow 3-9″ tall and rapidly spread forming a mat up to 2″ across. The erect, hollow stems are hairy and branched at the base. The opposite leaves are 1-4″ long, crinkled, hairy, and silvery green with silver blotches on the upper side. From spring into fall, terminal clusters of small two lipped, red-purple to white or pink flowers appear. The fruits that follow are hidden by the foliage, are composed of 4 nutlets and are green before turning brown with maturity. Spotted dead nettle is a vigorous plant and may become weedy but is not aggressive so is easy to control.
The genus name, Lamium, comes from the Greek laimos or lamos meaning throat in reference to the throat-like appearance of the corolla. The specific epithet, maculatum, is the Latin word meaning spotted and refers to the appearance of the leaves.
Spotted dead nettle likes average, moderately moist, well-drained, cool soil in partial to full shade but tolerates some drought. It is susceptible to damaged by slugs, aphids, and sun scorch if the soil dries out, and does not tolerate high heat and humidity. Propagation is by seed, division, and cuttings of basal non-flowering stems. Hardy in USDA Zones 3-8.
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