Creeping Bugleweed
Ajuga reptans
Ajuga reptans is commonly known as bugle, blue bugle, bugleherb, bugleweed, carpetweed, carpet bugleweed, and common bugle, and traditionally as St. Lawrence plant.
85
Countries
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajuga_reptans
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Tracheophyta
Class
Magnoliopsida
Order
Lamiales
Family
Lamiaceae
Genus
Ajuga
Creeping Bugleweed belongs to the family Lamiaceae, order Lamiales, within the Magnoliopsida class.
Species Profile
Ajuga reptans is commonly known as bugle, blue bugle, bugleherb, bugleweed, carpetweed, carpet bugleweed, and common bugle, and traditionally as St. Lawrence plant. It is an herbaceous flowering plant in the mint family Lamiaceae, native to Europe. It is also a component of purple moor grass and rush pastures, a Biodiversity Action Plan habitat in the United Kingdom.
Habitat fragmentation and loss of ancient woodland sites pose significant threats to remaining populations. Climate change and increased drought stress are reducing suitable habitat conditions, while invasive species competition further pressures vulnerable populations.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
The natural habitat of Ajuga reptans spans across Europe, extending to the middle taiga subzone of northeastern Russia. The plant thrives in the understory of mixed and parvifoliate forests, benefiting from the higher soil nitrogen and lower acidity these forests provide compared to pure coniferous stands.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
Habitat fragmentation and loss of ancient woodland sites pose significant threats to remaining populations. Climate change and increased drought stress are reducing suitable habitat conditions, while invasive species competition further pressures vulnerable populations.
No significant conservation threats - species is common
Found in 85 Countries
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Creeping Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/creeping-bugleweed