Ajuga

Ajuga reptans (ah-JOO-gah REP-tans)

Family: Lamiaceae Non-native Herbaceous (1-3 ft)

Bugleweed is a broadleaf, evergreen to semi-evergreen, herbaceous perennial ground cover in the mint family (Lamiaceae). It is native to Europe, northern Africa, and southwestern Asia. The species epithet is Latin and means “having a creeping habit.” It tolerates all light levels and is an excellent choice for moist areas, although it will tolerate moderately dry soils. In cool, shady areas where grass will not grow, it makes a thick, attractive ground cover. Avoid planting in wet, heavy soils, and provide good air circulation. Divide these plants when they grow too crowded in the spring or fall, or propagate by seed. Bugleweed forms a compact, dense mat that has beautiful, small clusters of purple flowers that appear in mid to late spring. There are a number of bugleweed cultivars available that offer variety in the color of the leaves and flowers and in the overall size and spread of the plant. This plant is resistant to browsing by deer. This plant is listed as invasive in other parts of the country due to its quick growth and aggressive spread; in NC, it is considered a low threat to native plant communities. Bugleweed is attractive in a mass planting in a naturalized area, on a slope or bank, or in a woodland garden. A dense mat will help smother weeds but avoid planting near perennial beds or lawns where its spreading nature could pose removal problems. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Crown rot can be a problem in very humid conditions and in heavy soils. Some cultivars have shown good resistance to phytophthora, leaf spot and fusarium wilt. VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 64 attributes.