Blue bugle (Ajuga genevensis, Sp. Pl.: 561 (1753))

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 561 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ajuga

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Europe to Caucasus

Description

Blue bugle, known scientifically as Ajuga genevensis, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. This captivating species is native to a broad region extending from Europe to the Caucasus. The description of the blue bugle was first recorded in 1753 by the botanist Carl Linnaeus, as noted in his seminal work “Species Plantarum.”

This plant typically thrives in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, woodland clearings, and meadows, often favoring calcareous soils. Known for its robust and spreading habit, the blue bugle can form dense, low-lying mats of foliage which help to prevent soil erosion and provide excellent ground cover.

The blue bugle is distinguished by its striking flowers, which usually bloom from late spring to early summer. These blooms are tubular and a vivid blue, arranged densely in whorls along upright flower spikes. The foliage consists of dark green leaves that form a basal rosette, with smaller, slightly hairy leaves growing alternately along the flower stems. The opposing leaf arrangement and square stems, typical characteristics of the Lamiaceae family, are evident in this species.

Ecologically, Ajuga genevensis plays a valuable role. It attracts various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which are drawn to the nectar-rich flowers. Its presence in natural plant communities can enhance biodiversity and support local ecosystems.

In addition to its ecological value, blue bugle has been appreciated for its ornamental qualities. Gardeners and landscapers often use it in borders, rock gardens, and as ground cover due to its beautiful flowers and easy maintenance. The plant is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established, and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade.

The blue bugle is not just a visual delight; it also holds historical significance. Traditionally, various parts of the plant have been used in folk medicine, believed to possess properties that could aid in healing wounds and treating various ailments. However, contemporary use is more focused on its aesthetic and ecological benefits rather than medicinal applications.

Overall, Ajuga genevensis is a noteworthy species that combines beauty, resilience, and ecological importance, making it a valuable addition to both natural and cultivated landscapes.

Common Names

Eng: blue bugle, cornish bugle, geneva bugleweed, erect bugle, geneva bugle
Dan: fjeld-læbeløs
Deu: genfer günsel
Lav: zenevas cekulinš
Swe: hammasakankaali, kritsuga
Fin: hammasakankaali
Nno: storjonsokkoll
Nob: storjonsokkoll
Nld: harig zenegroen
Fra: bugle de genève
En: Blue bugle, Geneva Bugle, Geneva bugleweed, Blue bugleweed, Upright bugle, Cornish Bugle, Erect bugle
Ar: عجوقة جنيفية
Az: Cenevrə dirçəyi
Be: Гарлянка жэнеўская
Bg: Женевско срещниче
Zh: 欧洲筋骨草
Hr: Ledinska ivica
Cs: Zběhovec lesní
Da: Fjeld-læbeløs
Nl: Harig zenegroen, Heidezenegroen
Et: Karvane akakapsas
Fi: Hammasakankaali
Fr: Bugle de Geneve, Bugle de Genève
De: Genfer Günsel, Heide-Günsel
It: Iva ginevrina
Lv: Zenevas cekulinš
Lt: Gauruotoji vaisgina
Nb: Storjonsokkoll
Nn: Storjonsokkoll
Pl: Dąbrówka genewska, Dąbrówka kosmata
Ro: Gubănaş, Suliman
Ru: Живучка женевская, Живучка мохнатая
Sk: Zbehovec ženevský
Es: Búgula de Ginebra
Sv: Kritsuga, Hammasakankaali
Zh-tw: 歐洲筋骨草
Uk: Горлянка женевська
Cy: Glesyn Cernyw

Synonyms

• Ajuga foliosa (Tratt.)
• Ajuga genevensis var. longifolia (Klett & Richt.)
• Bugula tomentosa (Gilib.)
• Ajuga genevensis var. alpicola (Beck)
• Ajuga interrupta (Dulac)
• Ajuga alpestris (Dumort.)
• Teucrium genevense ((L.) Crantz)
• Ajuga vulgaris subsp. foliosa ((Tratt.) Rouy)
• Ajuga genevensis var. glabrifolia (St.-Lag.)
• Ajuga genevensis var. arida (Fr.)
• Ajuga genevensis var. foliosa ((Tratt.) Beck)
• Ajuga glabrifolia ((St.-Lag.) Bonnier)
• Ajuga genevensis var. grossidens (Briq.)
• Ajuga genevensis var. rosea (Gaudin)
• Bugula genevensis ((L.) Crantz)
• Bugula alpina ((L.) All.)
• Ajuga genevensis var. elatior (Fr.)
• Ajuga alpicola ((Beck) Dalla Torre)
• Ajuga genevensis var. frigida (Dumort.)
• Ajuga vulgaris subsp. genevensis ((L.) Rouy)
• Ajuga genevensis var. alpina ((L.) Nyman)
• Ajuga vulgaris subsp. alpina ((L.) Rouy)
• Ajuga genevensis var. integrifolia (Sanio)
• Ajuga genevensis var. longistyla (St.-Lag.)
• Ajuga genevensis var. cryptostylon (Lagr.-Foss. ex Nyman)
• Ajuga rugosa (Host)
• Ajuga montana (Rchb.)
• Ajuga lanata (Mart. ex Steud.)
• Ajuga latifolia (Host)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Krym (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Connecticut (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Maine (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Michigan (introduced)
• Minnesota (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Ohio (introduced)
• Ontario (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Québec (introduced)
• Rhode I. (introduced)
• Vermont (introduced)
• West Virginia (introduced)
• Wisconsin (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 25, 2018 by Rohweder Karsten (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 9, 2019 by Tarzia (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2021 by Yvette Crompton (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2022 by flo badass (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2022 by Petr Harant (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 4, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2022 by flo badass (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2020 by trepa (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 11, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Gérard RENAULT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2020 by Eska (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Other

Taken May 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 21, 2022 by Stéphane Mars (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2022 by Petr Harant (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 16, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 10, 2021 by Jp Coinon (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2022 by Sébastien Puechmaille (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2927079)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:444576-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ajuga genevensis L.)

Specifications

Growth