Ajuga reptans

Bugleweed is a broadleaf, evergreen to semi-evergreen, herbaceous perennial ground cover in the Lamiaceae (mint) family. It is native to Europe, northern Africa, and southwestern Asia. Its compact, dense mat has beautiful small clusters of purple flowers which appear in mid to late spring. 

It tolearates 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 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.  This plant is resistant to browsing by deer.

There are a number of bugleweed cultivars available that share many of the traits that make it an excellent groundcover, while offering a variety in the color of the leaves and flowers and in the overall size and spread of the plant.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Crown rot can be a problem in very humid conditions and in heavy soils. While not invasive in North Carolina, this plant is listed as invasive in other parts of the country due to its quick growth and aggressive spread. Some cultivars have shown good resistance to phytophthora, leaf spot and fusarium wilt. See Phytophthora Root and Crown Rot in the Landscape.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.