Ajuga reptans - Bugle (Lamiaceae)

Bugle This low creeping perennial wildflower, a member of the mint family, thrives on woodland edges and in damp grassland. It propagates mainly by growing surface runners which root at intervals along their length. Bugle prefers heavy, wet soils and forms large, dense mats in favoured locations.

The first flowers appear in April, and Bugle continues blooming until late June or early July. The lips of the flowers are veined with darker blue. Unlike its close relative, Pyramidal Bugle (Ajuga pyramidalis), this plant is common throughout the UK and much of Europe.

The bronze tint to the upper leaves is a distinctive characteristic that helps separate Bugle from other members of the mint family.

Close-up of flowers of Bugle The plants shown here were photographed in South Wales in early spring.