Bugle Ajuga reptans
Table of Contents
Bugle is a perennial plant from the mint family and native to Europe. It thrive in shaded conditions such as damp woodland and hedgerows. It’s loved by pollinators, especially bees, it’s edible and has many medicinal properties.
Plant family: Lamiaceae
Aliases: Blue bugle, bugle-herb, bugleweed, carpetweed
Flowering period: April – June
Flower colour: Blue – purple
Preferred soil type: Moist
Habitat: Woodland, hedgerows, meadows
Status: Common
General information
A robust plant that’s a member of the mint/dead nettle family, bugle is an erect, perennial wildflower that forms dense mats and can be seen carpeting damp places in open woodland, grassland and hedgerows. The flowers are similar in appearance to selfheal, they’re from the same family and have similar medicinal properties.
A native to Europe, this herb grows up to 40cm in height, with a basal rosette and long, leafy, rhizomatous runners that spread aggressively and is very invasive, if not kept in check. For theses reasons it’s often used as a ground cover plant as they keep taller brush in check and supress weeds with its thick, dense foliage.
Identification
Flowers: The deep blue – purple (on rare occasions white) flowers are borne on erect, hairy stems and are up to are 15mm long. They are similar in appearance to selfheal and ground ivy.
Leaves: The basal leaves form as a rosette and are ovate to spoon shaped, the upper and stem leaves are un-stalked and borne in opposite pairs. The lower leaves(up to 7cm long) are generally larger than the upper leaves, with all leaves having a smooth, glossy surface and are dark green – purple in colour.
Value for wildlife
This plant is hermaphrodite (contains both male and female organs) and is pollinated by bees, butterflies, hoverflies and moths.
Uses for bugle
Bugle has many uses, both as a medicinal and edible herb. The leaves can be used as a potherb in salads, uncooked they taste bitter, but are more palatable when cooked. The roots and tubers can be boiled or cooked.
This perennial herb has a long history of medicinal uses to treat many illnesses and ailments. These include uses as anti-inflammatories, antioxidants and for treatment of respiratory disorders. It has also been used to treat stress and anxiety, hemorrhaging, hangovers and bruising.
Bugle images
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