Lycopus lucidus - Bugleweed

Family:	Labiatae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	1
Synonyms:
Range:	E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.

Lycopus lucidus (Bugleweed) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 1m . It has a hardness rating of 0.
Bugleweed will flower in January to March. the seeds ripen from February to May
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Bees, flies

Soil Information

Bugleweed 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
Bugleweed prefers soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Bugleweed can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Wet places by the edges of streams or in other damp areas[58, 147].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• A bog garden plant

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Tolerates most soil types so long as they are wet. Succeeds in damp meadows or in wet places by ponds or streams[200].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 1/5
Root - cooked[46, 61]. An emergency food, it is only used when all else fails[177, 179].

• Root - includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 2/5
The plant is cardiotonic, weakly diuretic and hepatic[147, 176, 279]. It is said to stimulate the blood circulation, break up clots, and soothe the liver[147, 176, 279]. A decoction is used in the treatment of abdominal distension, abscesses, menstrual pain, painful injuries, incontinence and various other ailments[218, 238, 279]. The plant is harvested as it comes into flower and is dried for later use.

• Cardiotonic - A tonic for the heart.
• Diuretic - Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
• Hepatic - Acts on the liver (for better or worse!).

Propagation

Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame[238]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first year. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer. Division in spring or autumn[238]. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

None known

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Flora of Japan. (English translation)
Ohwi. G.
Author: Ohwi. G.
Rating:
Publisher : The standard work. Brilliant, but not for the casual reader.
Date of Publication : 1965

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