Rough Bugleweed
Lycopus asper

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

What it is like

Lycopus asper is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). 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 and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Marshes and wet shores, tolerating alkaline conditions.

N. America - Michigan to Kansas, west to Manitoba, British Columbia, California and Arizona.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Root - boiled or dried for later use.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 1

A decoction of the plant has been given to children as a laxative.

Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.

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. This species is often confused with L. lucidus. 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:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist, wet

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

L. lucidus americana.