Bugleweed

Bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus) is a stoloniferous perennial forb in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It grows at a moderate rate to roughly 0.6 meters, with green, medium-textured foliage and small white flowers. As a stoloniferous plant, it spreads by runners and can form loose colonies in suitable ground. Its recorded native range covers much of the eastern and central United States, from Maine and the New England states westward through the Midwest and the Plains fringe to Nebraska, and south to Florida, Louisiana, and the District of Columbia. Across this broad distribution it favors moist to wet sites, and because it is not drought resistant, it needs dependable moisture and is best suited to ground that stays damp through the season. It tolerates full sun to partial sun and shade, and it accepts light sandy, medium, and heavy clay soils within a slightly acidic pH range of roughly 5 to 6.3. It is hardy in zones 4 through 8. Bugleweed has an edible component: its roots can be dug and used fresh or dried, and while they can be eaten raw, they are more commonly cooked to soften their texture and develop flavor. Beyond that root use, the plant is chiefly encountered as a wild member of damp habitats rather than a cultivated crop. As with any wild edible, correct identification is essential before any root is collected or prepared.