AMERICAN BUGLEWEED
Lycopus americanus
MINT FAMILY (Lamiaceae)
Identification
- Flowering time - July, August, September
- Common in wet places at both FF and NW
- Ring of white flowers where each pair of leaves joins the stem (leaf axil)
- Deeply divided lower leaves separate it from similar Virginia Bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus)
This native perennial grows up to 2 feet tall. The erect stem carries lance-shaped, toothed leaves, 2-3 inches long, opposite on the stem (A). Lower leaves are more deeply cut, resulting in larger, lobed leaves (D). The small white flowers with 4 petals are clustered around the stem at each pair of leaves (leaf axil) (A,C). This member of the mint family is not aromatic.
Common along streams and other wet places at Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods. Flowering occurs from July through September.
This plant is difficult to positively identify and may be difficult to separate from a similar species, Virginia Bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus), which in the past has also been seen seen at FF and NW. American Bugleweed has deeply divided lower leaves (D), which is the best way to differentiate it from Virginia Bugleweed.
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