As beautiful as any orchid

Why are we so obsessed with the flower structures of orchids and take little notice of the equally amazing structure and patterning on a wild flower like this one? This is Yellow Archangel, a plant of ancient woods and hedge banks that is just coming into flower now as the bluebells reach their flowering peak. It is a species in the dead-nettle family (the leaves look a little like nettles, but don't sting). Many of the dead-nettles have wonderful floral colours and patterns, developed to attract particular insects - just like the orchids, but not quite as sophisticated. Amongst the many local names for Yellow Archangel is Bee-nettle and Lion's Snap, both of which are nicely descriptive.