Ground-pine (Ajuga chamaepitys, Pl. Verticill. Unilab. Gen. Sp.: xxiv (1773))

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: (L.) Schreb.

Bibliography: Pl. Verticill. Unilab. Gen. Sp.: xxiv (1773)

Year: 1773

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ajuga

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. Europe, Medit. to C. Asia and Arabian Pen.

Description

Ground-pine, scientifically known as Ajuga chamaepitys, is a fascinating plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. The nomenclature and classification of this species were first detailed in a botanical compilation published in 1773, reflecting its longstanding recognition in the botanical community.

This plant is widely observed across Western Europe, extending its presence through the Mediterranean region all the way to Central Asia and the Arabian Peninsula. Such a broad geographic distribution showcases its adaptability and the ecological niches it occupies across these diverse landscapes.

Ground-pine’s unique characteristics and adaptability make it a notable member of the flora in these regions. It thrives in various habitats, often found flourishing in open fields, rocky terrains, and other environments typical for herbaceous plants in its range. This wide distribution also indicates its role in the local ecosystems, contributing to the biodiversity and stability of its habitats.

While common in these areas, its specific growing conditions and interactions with other flora and fauna underline the ecological significance of Ajuga chamaepitys. Whether it is due to its aesthetic appeal, its ecological role, or its botanical history, ground-pine continues to be a subject of interest for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Common Names

Deu: gelber günsel
Dan: gul læbeløs
Eng: yellow bugle, ground-pine, yellow bugleweed, ground pine
Nld: akkerzenegroen
Fra: bugle petit-pin
Swe: gulsuga, slagört
Ces: zbehov, zběhovec trojklaný
Cym: glesyn-y-coed pêr, palf y gath bali
En: Ground-pine, Yellow bugle, Yellow bugleweed, Ground pine, European Ground Pine
Ar: عجوقة أرضية
Ca: Iva artètica
Hr: Žuta ivica
Cs: Zběhovec trojklaný pravý, Zbehov, Zběhovec trojklaný
Da: Gul læbeløs
Nl: Akkerzenegroen
Fi: Rohtoakankaali
Fr: Bugle petit-pin, Ivette, Bugle des champs, Bugle jaune, Petite Ivette, Yvette
De: Gelber Günsel
It: Iva artitica, Camepizio, Iva artritica
Pl: Dąbrówka żółtokwiatowa
Pt-br: Ajuga
Es: Hierba felera, Pinillo rastrero
Sv: Gulsuga, Slagört
Cy: Glesyn-y-coed pêr, Palf y Gath Bali

Synonyms

• Teucrium chamaepitys (L.)
• Bugula chamaepithys ((L.) Scop.)
• Bugula arvensis (Gray)
• Bulga chamaepitys ((L.) Kuntze)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Morocco (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Sinai (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Virginia (introduced)

Additional Images

© 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.

Flower

Taken Jul 11, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Feb 13, 2022 by jardinier en Herbe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 14, 2021 by Lugifa Lugifa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2021 by Magdalena Truszkowski (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 28, 2022 by Hervé Ramone (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 15, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 18, 2022 by Stéphane Mars (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2021 by Manū (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 2, 2020 by Théotime Chabre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 12, 2019 by bas yves (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 10, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 27, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 27, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:444546-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2927080)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ajuga chamaepitys (L.) Schreb.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 9.0

Ph minimum: 8.0

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 3

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’, ‘oct’]

Soil nutriments: 5