Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. bugleweed - weha/Shutterstock Flowering ground covers can add beautiful colors to your yard. Whether covering a slope, enhancing ...

Understanding the Context

Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans) is a fast-growing, herbaceous perennial ground cover plant that does a good job of choking out weeds. This plant performs best in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist soil. Learn how to grow and care for ajuga. What is Ajuga?

Key Insights

Ajuga reptans is commonly known as bugle, blue bugle, bugleherb, bugleweed, carpetweed, carpet bugleweed, and common bugle, and traditionally (though less commonly) as St. Lawrence plant. Most varieties of Ajuga reptans are about 6 inches tall. Discover how to grow and care for bugleweed (Ajuga), a versatile ground cover perfect for any garden. Learn planting tips, care advice, and creative landscaping ideas to enhance your outdoor space.

Final Thoughts

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.” Ajuga reptans is commonly known as bugle, blue bugle, bugleherb, bugleweed, carpetweed, carpet bugleweed, and common bugle, and traditionally (although less commonly) as St. Lawrence plant. It is an herbaceous flowering plant in the mint family Lamiaceae, native to Europe. Native to Europe, bugleweed is one of the many common names of Ajuga reptans, a perennial flowering species that is commonly used for medicinal purposes.

Every spring, the plant sends up a 3-6 inch stalk with bright purple flowers, one of the defining characteristics of the species. Ajuga genevensis, known as carpet bugle or Geneva carpet bugleweed, is a relatively uncommon form that works well as a showy groundcover in partial shade. It grows 5 to 14 inches high and, unlike its popular counterpart, does not spread by runners. Ajuga, commonly known as Bugleweed, is a low-growing perennial ground cover prized for its rich foliage, fast spreading habit, and occasional spikes flowers.