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Common bugle

How to identify Common bugle (Ajuga reptans)

Common bugle, also known as Carpenter's Herb, Carpetweed, Carpet bugleweed, Bugleherb

Common bugle displays a lush carpet of foliage year-round, with leaves ranging from oval to nearly round shape. This vigorous grower forms a dense mat up to 3-4 inches (7.6–10 cm) high. The foliage can sometimes showcase a hint of bronze. From spring to early summer, it boasts upright spires of small, tubular, purple flowers which create a striking contrast against the greenery. Ideal for ground cover, common bugle is recognized by its tendency to spread via stolons, rooting at nodes and forming an interconnected network.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial, Annual

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Common bugle

1

Dense mat up to 4 inches (10 cm) high, spreads via stolons.

2

Upright spikes bear striking blue-violet flowers in dense clusters.

3

Fruit consists of four oval nutlets with pitted texture, muted earth tones.

4

Glossy, whorled leaves with irregularly toothed edges, various colors.

5

Acaulescent stem with 4-angled structure, pubescent texture, green to violet.

Common bugleCommon bugleCommon bugleCommon bugleCommon bugle

Detailed Traits of Common bugle

Leaf Features

The leaves of common bugle are glossy, medium green, and measure 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) in length, forming tight rosettes. They are oval-shaped, whorled, simple, spatulate, and feature irregularly toothed edges, with a glabrous texture. Color variations can include green, silver, bronze, or purple. The basal leaves are approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, obovate with crenate margins. Opposite leaves along the stalk are similar in shape but smaller and ovate.

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Flower Features

The showy flowers of common bugle are a striking blue-violet color and bloom from early spring through summer. These flowers are densely packed along 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 cm) erect spikes. Each flower is small and tubular, contributing to the overall dense appearance of the spike. This dense arrangement of blossoms creates a visually impressive cluster, making common bugle easily recognizable during its blooming period.

Common bugle Flower imageCommon bugle Flower image
Inflorescence Type

Spike

Common bugle Inflorescence Type image
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Stem Features

Common bugle's stem is characterized by its acaulence, emerging primarily from the ground level with a noticeable 4-angled structure. The stem is slightly pubescent or hairy, contributing to a slightly rough texture. Its color ranges from green to violet, and it typically reaches heights of up to 12 inches (30 cm). The stem exhibits minimal branching, maintaining a sturdy and upright growth pattern, key for easy identification. The distinctive 4-angled shape and pubescence are its most notable features.

Common bugle Stem image
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Fruit Features

The fruit of common bugle are comprised of four nutlets, following the flowering stage. These nutlets are distinctive in their oval shape and bear a textured surface that is noticeably pitted. Typically, the nutlets are small in size, which requires close examination to appreciate their detailed morphology. They are a crucial feature for identification, and their unique texture aids in differentiating common bugle from other species. The color can vary but usually aligns with a muted earth tone, blending seamlessly with the plant's natural habitat.

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Key Facts About Common bugle

Attributes of Common bugle
Lifespan
Perennial, Annual
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
7 cm to 15 cm
Spread
15 cm to 90 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Red
Purple
Silver
Brown
Flower Size
1.4 cm to 1.7 cm
Flower Color
Blue
White
Purple
Pink
Violet
Fruit Color
Brown
Stem Color
Green
Blue
Leaf type
Evergreen
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Scientific Classification of Common bugle

Family
Mint
Icon allow
Species
Common bugle (Ajuga reptans)
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Distribution Map of Common bugle

The common bugle plant is native to Europe, West Asia and Russia, growing in fields and meadows, and occasionally cultivated to prevent drainage ditch erosion. It was introduced to North America. In the temperate regions of the United States, it is considered an invasive weed.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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