Common bugleweed
Ajuga reptans
Family: Lamiaceae
What it is like
A creeping perennial plant. It grows 30 cm high and spreads to 60 cm across. It has stolons or runners. The plant forms roots as it spreads. The leaves are opposite and dark green. The flowers are blue to purple. They occur on short spikes.
There are about 40 Ajuga species. It is used in medicine.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It can grow in shady conditions. Once established the plant is fairly drought tolerant. It does best in a humus rich moist soil. It is frost hardy. Hobart Botanical Gardens. It suits plant hardiness zones 3-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Albania, Algeria, Australia, Azerbaijan, Balkans, Bosnia, Britain (country/location of origin), Canada, Caucasus, Europe, France, Georgia, Greece, Hawaii, Iran, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mediterranean, Middle East, New Zealand, North Africa, North America, Portugal, Russia, Slovenia, South America, Spain, Tasmania, Tunisia, Turkey, Türkiye, USA
How it is used for food
The young shoots are eaten raw in salads. They are also cooked as a vegetable. CAUTION: The plant has toxic properties. It has mild laxative properties.
Edible parts
Leaves, vegetable
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed. The seed usually germinates in 3 - 4 weeks at 10°C. Plants can be grown by division of the runners.
Its other names
Local names
Bugle, Carpet bugleweed, Ivica, Meryemsaci, Plazeči skrečnik