- Wildlife
- Wildflowers
- Bugle
Paul Lane
About
The deep blue flower spikes of Bugle can be found carpeting damp grasslands, scrub and woodland clearings scrub and grassland on fertile soils. Spreading by means of overground runners that frequently root, it flowers between April and July and is attractive to a variety of insects including White-tailed Bumblebees, Green-veined White Butterflies, Silver Y Moths and Common Carder Bees.
How to identify
Low-growing and creeping, Bugle has larger, oval leaves spread out in a rosette at its base and smaller leaves that grow up its flower spike; small purple flowers sprout in between the leaves. The flowers are shaped like skirted ladies, often with faint stripes running down them and with protruding stamen poking out over the top.
Where to find it
Widespread.
Habitats
When to find it
- April
- May
- June
- July
How can people help
Like many of our native plants, Bugle is an excellent source of nectar and pollen for all kinds of insects including bumblebees and butterflies. To encourage wildlife into your garden, try planting native flower species in your borders to provide a 'nectar-cafe'. To find out more about wildlife-friendly gardening, visit our Wild About Gardens website: a joint initiative with the RHS, there's plenty of facts and tips to get you started.