Plant species

blue bugle Ajuga genevensis

Lamiaceae

Species information

Other scientific names

Ajuga vulgaris subsp. genevensisTeucrium genevense

Description

A hairy perennial bugle without creeping stolons. The erect stems bear opposite, coarsely toothed leaves and deep blue, two-lipped flowers arranged in compact false whorls; the upper bracts are usually no longer than the flowers.

Plant traits

Growth form

forb

Life cycle

perennial

Height

7–30 cm

Typical season

Active growth

Flowering

Fruiting

Timing varies with site and year.

Habitat conditions

Habitat

dry grasslands · forest edge · rocky habitats

Light

full sun · partial shade

Moisture

dry · mesic

Soil

base-rich · neutral

Substrate

calcareous

Pollination

insect pollination

Status

native

Interesting facts

It can hybridise with the creeping bugle (Ajuga reptans), producing intermediate plants that may complicate field identification.