Bugleweed, Rough bugleweed
Lycopus lucidus
Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae
What it is like
Lycopus lucidus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Wet places by the edges of streams or in other damp areas.
E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Root - cooked. An emergency food, it is only used when all else fails.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The plant is cardiotonic, weakly diuretic and hepatic. It is said to stimulate the blood circulation, break up clots, and soothe the liver. A decoction is used in the treatment of abdominal distension, abscesses, menstrual pain, painful injuries, incontinence and various other ailments. The plant is harvested as it comes into flower and is dried for later use.
Cardiotonic: A tonic for the heart.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Hepatic: Acts on the liver (for better or worse!).
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Tolerates most soil types so long as they are wet. Succeeds in damp meadows or in wet places by ponds or streams.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first year. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer. Division in spring or autumn. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Best place to grow: Bog Garden;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist, wet