Madwort (Asperugo procumbens, Sp. Pl.: 138 (1753))

Family: Boraginaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 138 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Asperugo

Vegetable: False

Observations: Medit. to Temp. Eurasia

Description

Madwort, known scientifically as Asperugo procumbens, is a fascinating plant belonging to the Boraginaceae family, a group well-regarded for its diverse and often medicinal species. This particular plant was first classified by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, with its taxonomy officially recorded in “Species Plantarum” on page 138 in 1753, marking its significant place in botanical history.

Native to the Mediterranean region and temperate parts of Eurasia, Madwort is well-adapted to a variety of climates, making it a resilient and widespread species. Its common habitats include grasslands, roadside verges, and open fields, where it integrates well with its surroundings, often forming sprawling mats of greenery.

Botanically, Asperugo procumbens features distinctive characteristics typical of the Boraginaceae family. Its procumbent or trailing growth habit allows it to spread across the ground efficiently, helping it to colonize wide areas. This plant produces small, tubular flowers that add a touch of subtle beauty to the natural landscapes it inhabits. The flowers, typically blue with a unique structure, are indicative of its family, showcasing the intricate floral patterns that are a trademark of many Boraginaceae species.

Madwort’s adaptability and growth form not only contribute to its survival in diverse environments but also make it a subject of interest for gardeners and naturalists alike. Its presence in a garden can contribute to soil stabilization and provide ground cover, which can be particularly useful in preventing erosion on slopes and embankments.

Despite its modest appearance, Madwort possesses an enduring charm and ecological importance. As a part of Eurasia’s flora, it plays a role in its local ecosystems, supporting various pollinators through its flowers and contributing to the biodiversity of the regions it inhabits.

In summary, Asperugo procumbens, or Madwort, is a resilient and attractive member of the Boraginaceae family. Its historical classification by Linnaeus and its widespread presence from the Mediterranean to temperate Eurasia highlight its significance both botanically and ecologically. Through its modest yet captivating presence, Madwort continues to enrich the natural tapestry of the landscapes it calls home.

Common Names

Nor: bustnype, gaasfot, ormøie
Swe: damascenerros, kamtjatkaros, plommonros, tornedalsros, paddfot, riva
Eng: german-madwort, madwort, german madwort, catchweed
Dan: maj-rose, river, spansk hyben-rose
Fin: metsäruusu
Deu: niederliegendes scharfkraut, scharfkraut, schlangenäuglein
Lav: gulošä skarbene
Ces: ostrolist poléhavý
Nld: scherpkruid
Sme: bealljelieđđi
Fra: râpette couchée, râpette
Cym: cynghafan mwyaf
En: Madwort, German-madwort, German mugwort, German madwort, Catchweed
Ar: سلسل (سِلْسِل), سلسله (سِلِسله), سليس (سِليس), سليسله (سُلَيسله), سيليس
Hy: Քերչախոտ
Be: Вастрыца
Zh: 糙草
Cs: Ostrolist poléhavý
Da: Maj-Rose, River, Spansk Hyben-Rose
Nl: Scherpkruid
Et: Karerohi
Fi: Terhi, Metsäruusu
Fr: Râpette couchée, Râpette, Portefeuille
De: Schlangenäuglein, Niederliegendes Scharfkraut, Scharfkraut, Liegendes Scharfkraut
He: חספסת, חספסת שרועה
It: Buglossa dentata
Kk: Jabısqaq, Жабысқақ, جابىسقاق
Lv: Gulošä skarbene
Se: Bealljelieđđi
No: Bustnype, Gaasfot, Ormøie
Fa: علف چسبک
Pl: Lepczyca rozesłana
Ru: Асперуга лежачая, Острица лежачая
Es: Azotalenguas
Sv: Paddfot, Damascenerros, Kamtjatkaros, Plommonros, Tornedalsros, Riva
Zh-hant: 糙草
Uk: Гостриця лежача
Cy: Cynghafan mwyaf

Synonyms

• Asperugo vulgaris (Dum.Cours.)
• Asperugo erecta (I.Pop)
• Asperugo alba (Mazziari)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Altay (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Magadan (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Nepal (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Oman (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Poland (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Qinghai (native)
• Romania (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Sinai (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Tuva (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Alaska (introduced)
• Alberta (introduced)
• Argentina South (introduced)
• British Columbia (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Central European Rus (introduced)
• Chile South (introduced)
• Colorado (introduced)
• Connecticut (introduced)
• Delaware (introduced)
• District of Columbia (introduced)
• Greenland (introduced)
• Idaho (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Kansas (introduced)
• Korea (introduced)
• Manitoba (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Minnesota (introduced)
• Montana (introduced)
• Nebraska (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)
• Nevada (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• North Dakota (introduced)
• North European Russi (introduced)
• Ohio (introduced)
• Ontario (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Sardegna (introduced)
• South Dakota (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Utah (introduced)
• Virginia (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)
• Wyoming (introduced)
• Yukon (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 May 9, 2008 by Henk Van Lottum (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 12, 2021 by Angelos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2021 by Lopez (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 9, 2008 by Henk Van Lottum (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 9, 2020 by Rohweder Karsten (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 12, 2021 by Angelos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 9, 2020 by Rohweder Karsten (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2021 by Lopez (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2021 by Lopez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2021 by Lopez (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 18, 2015 by EOL − lcthompson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 9, 2008 by Henk Van Lottum (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 10, 2022 by Joseph Dupont (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 18, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 6, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2022 by Emeline (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken May 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 18, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Seyed Hassan Zali (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 1995 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2926055)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:113506-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Asperugo procumbens L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 3

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

Soil nutriments: 9