Bugleweed
Lycopus virginicus
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Pl. BD59 — Lycopus virginicus
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IOverview
Overview
Bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus) is a perennial herb that thrives in moist to wet conditions and partial sun or shade. Native to the eastern United States, it can be found across states like Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, and Florida. Known for its edible roots, this plant grows up to 0.6 meters tall and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH range of 5–6.3. Its light requirement can vary from full sun to partial shade, making it adaptable in various habitats. Bugleweed is hardy in zones 4-8 and is often appreciated for its ornamental value as well as its culinary use.
Quick answers
What is Bugleweed?
Bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus) is a perennial herb that thrives in moist to wet conditions and partial sun or shade. Native to the eastern United States, it can be found across states like Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, and Florida.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Bugleweed thrives in moist to wet conditions and prefers partial sun or shade. It grows well in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 5–6.3. Hardy in zones 4-8, this perennial can reach up to 0.6 meters in height. For propagation, gardeners can use root cuttings. Harvest the edible roots for culinary use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
Soil pH
5–6.3
For first-time growers
How to grow Bugleweed for the first time
8steps
Start with Bugleweed as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A small Bugleweed plant or seeds, a trowel, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with moist soil that's light, medium, or heavy. Ensure good drainage.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants or sow seeds directly in the garden. Space them about 30 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist and mulch around the base to retain moisture.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Prune back after flowering to encourage new growth.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to maintain shape and health.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too sunny a spot, neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: Bugleweed's roots are edible and can be prepared in various ways. They are typically dug from the ground and used fresh or dried for later use. The roots can be eaten raw but are more commonly cooked to enhance their flavor and texture. Skip
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Massachusetts, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode I., South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · bd59a078-4bc5-4297-bbf4-de7c0cde62b4
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