Pyramid bugle (Ajuga pyramidalis, 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

Description

Pyramid bugle, known scientifically as Ajuga pyramidalis, is a notable herbaceous plant within the Lamiaceae family. It is primarily observed across various regions in Europe. This striking species gained its official classification in the 18th century under the authority of L., who recognized its unique characteristics and classified it accordingly in the bibliography “Sp. Pl.: 561 (1753)”.

Ajuga pyramidalis is easily distinguishable by its pyramidal shape, which gives the plant both its common and scientific names. This architectural feature is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, allowing the plant to thrive in its native habitats. The leaves of the pyramid bugle are typically arranged in a rosette pattern at the base, with a series of upright flowering spikes ascending from this foundation. These spikes are adorned with small, tubular flowers that can vary in color from purples and blues to whites, contributing to their attractiveness and ecological value.

In Europe, where this plant is widespread, it plays a significant role in local ecosystems. It prefers habitats with well-drained soils, including meadows, edges of woodlands, and alpine regions. The pyramid bugle’s adaptability to different environments has made it a resilient species that supports local biodiversity. It provides nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, thus sustaining the delicate ecological balance within its natural range.

Furthermore, the pyramid bugle has been noted in traditional herbal medicine for its supposed medicinal properties, attributed to the bioactive compounds within the plant. These compounds have been utilized in various cultures to address minor ailments, although modern scientific validation is required to fully understand these potential benefits.

Ajuga pyramidalis exemplifies the diversity and intricacy of plant life in Europe. The pyramid bugle continues to attract interest from botanists, ecologists, and herbalists alike, reflecting its enduring significance both as a species and a fascinating subject of study.

Common Names

Eng: pyramid bugle, pyrimidal bugle, pyramidal bugle, limestone bugle
Dan: pyramide-læbeløs
Deu: pyramiden-günsel, pyramidengünsel
Swe: blåsuga, pyramidsuga
Fra: bugle en pyramide
Lav: piramidalais cekulinš
Nld: piramidezenegroen
Sme: soahttolieđđi
Cym: glesyn gwelw, glesyn-y-coed pigfain
En: Pyramid bugle, Carpet Bugle, Limestone bugle, Pyramidal Bugle, Pyramidal bugleweed, Pyrimidal bugle
Ar: عجوقة هرمية
Az: Piramidavari dirçək
Be: Гарлянка пірамідальная
Cs: Zběhovec jehlancovitý
Da: Pyramide-Læbeløs
Nl: Piramidezenegroen
Et: Püramiid-akakapsas
Fi: Kartioakankaali
Fr: Bugle pyramidale, Bugle en pyramide
De: Pyramiden-Günsel, Pyramidengünsel
Is: Lyngbúi
Lv: Piramidalais cekulinš
Lt: Stačioji vaisgina
Se: Soahttolieđđi
No: Jonsokkoll
Pl: Dąbrówka piramidalna
Ru: Живучка пирамидальная
Sk: Zbehovec ihlanovitý
Sv: Blåsuga, Pyramidsuga
Tr: Ehrami mayasıl otu
Uk: Горлянка пірамідальна
Cy: Glesyn-y-coed pigfain, Glesyn Gwelw

Synonyms

• Bugula pyramidalis ((L.) Crantz)
• Ajuga pyramidalis f. rubra (Svanlund)
• Teucrium pyramidale ((L.) Crantz)
• Ajuga pyramidalis f. albida (Svanlund)
• Bulga pyramidalis ((L.) Kuntze)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iceland (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

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 26, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2013 by Marcel Ambühl (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2020 by Tiziano Rovaris (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2017 by Michelle Haim (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 2, 2020 by Clara (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 26, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 15, 2022 by Lise Waldorf (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2021 by Blaise verien (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2021 by Vasiloi Marina (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 21, 2020 by Sara Vila (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2022 by jessica de pastors (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 13, 2021 by Agustin Bartolome (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2022 by Шамхалов Магомед (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2020 by Hans-Ulrich Kaiser (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 10, 2022 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2018 by Marta Naharro i Via (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

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

Taken Jul 1, 2021 by Panheira Com (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 11, 2022 by Rohweder Karsten (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8429926)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:444657-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ajuga pyramidalis L.)

Specifications

Growth