Ajuga reptans L.
Ajuga
Bugle is a low, creeping perennial of the mint family and a native carpeting plant of damp, shaded ground. It spreads by leafy runners that root as they go, knitting together into a weed-suppressing mat of glossy, dark green leaves, often tinged bronze or purple.
About
Bugle is a low, creeping perennial of the mint family and a native carpeting plant of damp, shaded ground. It spreads by leafy runners that root as they go, knitting together into a weed-suppressing mat of glossy, dark green leaves, often tinged bronze or purple. In late spring and early summer it raises short, upright spikes of deep blue, two-lipped flowers set among leafy bracts.
It grows in damp woodland, woodland rides and clearings, shady meadows, hedge banks and other moist, grassy places on neutral to slightly acidic soils, in partial shade or sun where the ground stays moist. It is also a characteristic plant of purple moor-grass and rush pasture, a priority habitat in the UK. The early flowers are an important nectar source for bumblebees, the brimstone butterfly and other spring insects. Reliable and adaptable, it makes excellent ground cover for shadier borders, woodland gardens and the moister parts of a wildflower planting.
Also known as
Blue Bugle · Bugle · Bugleherb · Bugleweed · Carpet Bugleweed · Common Bugle · carpet bugle · creeping bugle · creeping bugleweed
Synonyms
Ajuga abnormis · Ajuga alpina · Ajuga barrelieri · Ajuga breviproles · Ajuga candolleana · Ajuga densiflora · Ajuga pyramidalis · Ajuga repens · Ajuga reptans alba · Ajuga reptans albiflora
In our seed mixes
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.