Bugle  (Ajuga reptans)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Description

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).

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