Ajuga reptans - L.

                  
                 
Common Name Bugle, Common Bugelweed, Bugleweed, Carpet Bugleweed, Carpetweed, Carpet Bugle
Family Lamiaceae or Labiatae
Synonyms  
Known Hazards The plant is said to be a narctic hallucinogen that is known to have caused fatalities[274].
Habitats Damp grassy fields and damp woods[7, 13, 17].
Range Most of Europe, including Britain, to S.W. Asia and N. Africa.
Edibility Rating  
Medicinal Rating  
Care
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Wet Soil Full shade Semi-shade Full sun

Summary       
Bloom Color: Blue. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late spring, Mid summer, Mid spring. Form: Prostrate, Spreading or horizontal.

Physical Characteristics       
 icon of manicon of flower
Ajuga reptans is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in) at a slow rate.
It is hardy to zone (UK) 6 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf 12-Jan It is in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen from Jul to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees, lepidoptera, self.The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.


USDA hardiness zone : 3-9


Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry moist or wet soil and can tolerate drought.
Ajuga reptans Bugle, Common Bugelweed, Bugleweed, Carpet Bugleweed, Carpetweed, Carpet Bugle


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:268_Ajuga_reptans_L.jpg
Ajuga reptans Bugle, Common Bugelweed, Bugleweed, Carpet Bugleweed, Carpetweed, Carpet Bugle
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Habitats       
Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Ground Cover; Meadow; Bog Garden;
Edible Uses                                         
Edible Parts: Leaves.
Edible Uses:

Young shoots - raw[7].
 
Medicinal Uses


Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

Aromatic;  Astringent;  Bitter;  Homeopathy.

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[4, 254, 268]. 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[268]. It has also been considered good for the treatment of excessive alcohol intake[4]. The whole plant is aromatic, astringent and bitter[4, 7, 9]. The plant is usually applied externally[7]. It is harvested as it comes into flower in late spring and dried for later use[4, 7]. It is also commonly used fresh in ointments and medicated oils[238]. 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[7].
Other Uses
A good ground-cover for a position in semi-shade[200], forming a carpet and rooting as it spreads[208]. Fairly fast growing but it does not always smother out weeds and can become bare at the centre if not growing in good conditions[197].
Cultivation details                                         
Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Erosion control, Ground cover, Massing, Rock garden, Specimen, Woodland garden. Prefers a humus-rich, moisture retentive soil and partial shade[28, 31, 200]. Does well in marshy soil and in the spring meadow[24]. Grows well in dry shade[187, 190] and is fairly drought tolerant once established, though it shows distress in severe drought[190]. Plants do not always ripen their seeds in Britain, they spread freely by runners, however, and soon form an extensive patch in suitable conditions[4]. 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[187]. A purple-leafed form, 'Atropurpurea' does well in full sun so long as the soil is not dry[208]. A good bee and butterfly plant[24]. Special Features:Attractive foliage, Not North American native, Naturalizing.
                                                                                 
Propagation                                         
Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in 3 - 4 weeks at 10°c[133], though it can be erratic[238]. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer[K]. Division of runners at almost any time of year. Very easy, the divisions can be planted straight out into their permanent positions if required.

 2 pictures - click to enlarge

Ajuga

Ajuga

Details   Ajuga reptans is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.3m by 0.6m at a slow rate. It is hardy to zone (UK) 6 and is not frost tender. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees, The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Common name   Bugle, Common Bugelweed, Bugleweed, Carpet Bugleweed, Carpetweed, Carpet Bugle
Botanical name   Ajuga reptans
Family   Lamiaceae
Height (m)   0.3
Forest layer   ground cover
Evergreen  
Perennial  
Date   October 17, 2014
Shade / Sun   Sun - Full shade
Soil type   Most
Flowers   Purple