Ajuga reptans - Bugle

Family:	Labiatae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	0.3
Width:	0.6
Synonyms:
Range:	Most of Europe, including Britain, to S.W. Asia and N. Africa.

Ajuga reptans (Bugle) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 0.3m and a width of 0.6m . It has a hardness rating of 6and is vunerable to frost.
Bugle will flower in November to January. the seeds ripen from January to March
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Bees, lepidoptera, self

Soil Information

Bugle will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Bugle prefers soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Bugle can grow in full, semi shaded areas and areas with no shade.

Damp grassy fields and damp woods[7, 13, 17].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Works within dappled Shade
• Grows in a shady edge
• Is suited to a deeply shaded location
• Can spread to cover ground and will out compete weeds
• Suits a meadow
• A bog garden plant

Cultivation Details

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].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 2/5
Young shoots - raw[7].

• Leaves -

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 3/5
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].

• Aromatic - Having an agreeable odour and stimulant qualities.
• Astringent - Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
• Bitter - Increases the appetite and stimulates digestion by acting on the mucous membranes of the mouth. Also increases the flow of bile, stimulates repair of the gut wall lining and regulates the secretion of insulin and glucogen.
• Homeopathy - A plant used in homeopathic treatments.

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.

Known Hazards

The plant is said to be a narctic hallucinogen that is known to have caused fatalities[274].

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].

• Ground cover - Usually low growing plants that can be grown with other plants, especially shrubs and trees, to prevent the growth of weeds.

Cultivars

'' - No entries have been made for this species as yet.

References

Flora of the British Isles.
Clapham, Tootin and Warburg.
Author: Clapham, Tootin and Warburg.
Rating:
Publisher : A very comprehensive flora, the standard reference book but it has no pictures.
Date of Publication : 1962

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

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