Friday 17 May
Bugle (Ajuga reptans)
Bugle fact file
- Description
- Biology
- Range
- Habitat
- Status
- Threats
- Conservation
- Find out more
- Glossary
- References
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Bugle description
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Anthophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Ajuga (1) |
Bugle is a common herb that often grows in large clumps (4). The flowers are deep purplish blue, rarely pink or white (2), and are arranged on tapering flower stalks. The dark leaves have an unusual colouration, with a purplish-brown or violet sheen on a dark green ground colour (4). An alternative name for this plant, ‘thunder and lightning’ is thought to refer to the contrast between the shiny highlights and deep background colour of the leaves (5). The common name ‘bugle’ does not refer to the musical instrument, but is thought to derive from ‘bugula’, s name used by apothecaries (5), which may in turn be a corruption of the generic Latin name ‘Ajuga' (6).
- Also known as
- lightning, thunder.
- Perennial
- Plants that live for at least three seasons; after an initial period they produce flowers once a year.
- National Biodiversity Network Species Dictionary (September 2003): http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nbn/
- Clapham, A.R., Tutin, T.G., and Moore, D.M. (1987) Flora of the British Isles 3rd Edition. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
- Preston, C.D., Pearman, D.A. and Dines, T.D. (2002) New Atlas of the British and Irish Flora. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
- Mabey, R. (1996) Flora Britannica. Sinclair-Stevenson, London.
- Grigson, G. (1996) The Englishmans Flora. Helicon Publishing, Ltd., Oxford.
- Botanical.com (December 2003): http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/b/buglec82.html
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Bugle biology
Bugle is a perennial herb that can spread by seed or, more typically, by means of creeping stems known as ‘stolons’ or ‘runners’ (3). It flowers from late April to early July (6). The flowers are pollinated by bees, although self-fertilisation is also possible (2).
Bugle was, in the past, a well-known medicinal herb. It was used mainly to treat wounds, and was once widely planted in gardens to provide a ready supply (5).
TopBugle range
This plant is widespread throughout Britain, up to altitudes of 760 meters (3). Elsewhere it is found throughout much of Europe, the Caucasus (Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan), south west Asia, Algeria and Tunisia (2).
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Species with a similar range
|
You can view distribution information for this species at the National Biodiversity Network Gateway. |
Bugle habitat
Found in damp broadleaved woodlands, typically in shaded places, and in damp meadows and pastures (2).
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Species found in a similar habitat
Bugle status
Common and widespread: not threatened (3).
TopBugle threats
This species is not threatened.
TopBugle conservation
Conservation action is not required for this very common species.
|
|
There may be further information about this species available via the National Biodiversity Network Gateway. |
Find out more
For more on British native plants and for details of how to get involved in plant conservation visit the website of Plantlife, the wild plant charity:
www.plantlife.org.uk
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This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact: arkive@wildscreen.org.ukTopGlossary
References
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Bugle in flower
© Nigel Bean / naturepl.com
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