Definition

1. Noun:
   • A specific plant species: "Black archangel" is a common name for a European herb (Lamium purpureum or related species) known for its distinctive, often unpleasant odor, wrinkled leaves, and clusters of dark purple flowers. It is a type of dead-nettle.

Usage

• The term "black archangel" is used specifically in botany and gardening to identify this particular plant. It is a common name, not a scientific one.
• It functions as a countable noun (e.g., , ).

Examples

• Noun:
  • The field was dotted with the purple flowers of the black archangel.
  • Despite its beautiful blooms, the black archangel is often considered a weed due to its strong scent.

Advanced Usage

• The name "black archangel" is an example of a folk or traditional plant name, which often differs from region to region. Its "black" descriptor likely refers to the deep, dark purple hue of its flowers.

Variants and Related Words

• Red Dead-nettle (): The most common scientific name for the plant often called black archangel.
• Dead-nettle: The general common name for plants in the genus, which "black archangel" belongs to. They are called "dead" because, unlike true stinging nettles, they do not sting.
• Archangel: Sometimes used as a shortened, though less precise, form.

Synonyms

• Purple dead-nettle
• Red henbit (Note: This can sometimes refer to a similar but distinct species)

Notes on Meaning

• The term is highly specific to this plant. It is not used to describe an actual archangel (a type of angel) that is black in color. The "archangel" part of the name is poetic, likely referring to the plant's flower shape or its historical medicinal uses.

Noun

1. ill-smelling European herb with rugose leaves and whorls of dark purple flowers