Ajuga chamaepitys is a complex species and, as currently treated (2016) is considered to comprise of fourteen subspecies. Since, as far as we know, all subspecies have the same uses, they are all dealt with here.

Common Name: Ground Pine

General Information

Ajuga chamaepitys is an annual or sometimes a short-lived perennial plant. Branching near the base, it produces a number of prostrate to ascending stems 5 - 20cm long.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Europe - Britain to Spain, east to Ukraine and Bulgaria; W. Asia - Caucasus, Turkey to Israel, Iran; N. Africa - Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia

Habitat

Very local in sandy and chalky arable fields and in open habitats in chalky grassland in southeastern England[, ]. Dry, often calcareous slopes; mostly wastelands, fields and meadows[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Annual
Height	0.10 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

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[, ].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

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[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in situ. Germination can be erratic[].