Ground Pine, Yellow bugle
Ajuga chamaepitys
Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae
What it is like
Ajuga chamaepitys is a ANNUAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from May to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.2
Where it is found
Very local in sandy and chalky arable fields and in open habitats in chalky grassland in southeastern England.
CentraL and souther Europe, including Britain, to N. Africa and E. Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The leaves are diuretic, stimulant and emmenagogue. The plant acts mainly on the urinary system and uterus. It once had a high reputation in the treatment of rheumatism, dropsy, jaundice etc and has also proved of worth when used in conjunction with other herbs in the treatment of women's complaints. The leaves are harvested in the summer and can be dried for later use.
Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.
Stimulant: Excites or quickens activity of the physiological processes. Faster acting than a tonic but differing from a narcotic in that it does not give a false sense of well-being.
Urinary: Treats urinary problems, including urinary tract infection (UTI).
Women's complaints: A very vague title, it deals with a miscellany of problems peculiar to the female sex.
Other
Rating:
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Thrives in a poor dry soil in full sun. Prefers a humus-rich moisture-retentive soil. Plants are usually annual, but are sometimes short-lived perennials. The whole plant smells of pine trees when crushed.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ. Germination can be erratic.
Best place to grow: Meadow; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist