Bugleweed

Lycopus virginicus L.

Figure 27.—Bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus)

Other common names.—Buglewort, sweet bugleweed, American water hoarhound, carpenter's herb, green archangel, gypsyweed, Paul's betony, woodbetony, wolf foot, purple archangel, water bugle, gypsywort, gypsy herb, Virginia hoarhound.

Habitat and range.—Bugleweed is a native herb frequenting wet, shady places from Canada to Florida, Missouri, and Nebraska.

Description.—This herb has long, threadlike runners and a bluntly 4-angled, smooth, slender, erect stem from 6 inches to 2 feet in height. The leaves are about 2 inches in length, pointed, rather narrow, and dark green or of a purplish tinge. The whitish flowers, which appear from about July to September, are small, tubular, and bell-shaped, and are produced in dense clusters in the axils of the leaves. They are followed by four nutlets. The plant has a rather pleasant, mintlike odor, but a disagreeable bitter taste.

Part used.—The entire herb, gathered during the flowering period.