Common Name: Bugle

General Information

Ajuga reptans is a low-growing, evergreen perennial plant that spreads freely at the roots to form a dense mat of growth, When flowering, the plant is up to 25cm tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is often grown as an ornamental, particularly for its use as a ground cover in shady sites

Known Hazards

The plant is said to be a narctic hallucinogen that is known to have caused fatalities[].

Botanical References

,

Range

Most of Europe to southwest Asia (Turkey, northern Iran); N. Africa (Tunisia, Algeria).

Habitat

Damp grassy fields and damp woods[, , ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.10 m
Pollinators	Bees, Lepidoptera, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a humus-rich, moisture retentive soil and partial shade, though it can also succeed in full sun[, , , ]. Does well in marshy soil and in the spring meadow[]. Grows well in dry shade[, ] and is fairly drought tolerant once established, though it shows distress in severe drought[].
Plants do not always ripen their seeds. They spread freely by runners, however, and can soon form an extensive patch in suitable conditions[].
Plants spread quite aggressively by stolons and can become a problem in gardens if poorly sited - they are particularly aggressive in lawns, for example[].
A number of forms have been selected for their ornamental value, several of them are variegated and these are used especially as ground cover plants for dry shade[]. A purple-leafed form, 'Atropurpurea' does well in full sun so long as the soil is not dry[].
If required, plants can be mown on a high setting after flowering in order to remove the old spikes[].
A good bee and butterfly plant[].

Edible Uses

Young shoots - raw[]. Some caution should be exercised - see nots on toxicity[].

Medicinal

Bugle has a long history of use as a wound herb and, although little used today, it is still considered very useful in arresting haemorrhages and is also used in the treatment of coughs and spitting of blood in incipient consumption[, , ]. The plant contains digitalis-like substances (these are commonly found in Digitalis species and are used in treating heart complaints) and is thought to possess heart tonic properties[]. It has also been considered good for the treatment of excessive alcohol intake[].

The whole plant is aromatic, astringent and bitter[, , ]. The plant is usually applied externally[]. It is harvested as it comes into flower in late spring and dried for later use[, ]. It is also commonly used fresh in ointments and medicated oils[].

A homeopathic remedy is made from the whole plant. It is widely used in various preparations against throat irritations and especially in the treatment of mouth ulcers[].

Agroforestry Uses:

A good ground-cover for a position in semi-shade[], forming a carpet and rooting as it spreads[]. Fairly fast growing but it does not always smother out weeds and can become bare at the centre if not growing in good conditions[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in 3 - 4 weeks at 10°c[], though it can be erratic[]. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer[].
Division of runners at almost any time of year. Very easy, the divisions can be planted straight out into their permanent positions if required.