Species American Bugleweed

American Bugleweed

Lycopus americanus

American Bugleweed is an herbaceous perennial native to North America and most commonly found in shady wetlands and moist wooded areas. It can grow up to 60 cm tall, with dark green leaves in an opposite arrangement. The small tubular flowers range from white to purple and bloom in late summer. American Bugleweed has been used medicinally for centuries, primarily for conditions such as congestion, headaches, fever, and anemia.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

part sun/part shade

Soil:

Loamy,Clay

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

American Bugleweed thrives in moist, net soil and should be watered regularly but infrequently. It should be watered thoroughly, allowing the water to penetrate the root system, but not to the point of soil saturation. The best way to water this plant is by giving it 1-2 inches of water every 7-10 days. If the plant is grown in a container, water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

sunlight

American Bugleweed, also known as Lycopus Americanus, typically thrives best when provided with moderate amounts of sunlight, especially when the plant is beginning to grow. The American Bugleweed, being an annual herb, should be provided with about 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. When the weather is particularly hot, providing the plant with some shade is also beneficial to help it survive the brutal heat.

pruning

American Bugleweed should be pruned in late spring or early summer after the plant is actively growing. The amount of pruning should be relatively minimal as this species prefers to be slightly overgrown and sprawling. Dead stems should be removed and, if desired, occasional light trimming can be done to contain the shape of the plant. Overly aggressive pruning can damage the plant and lead to weak stems, so care should be taken to not overdo it.