Ajuga chamaepitys aka Ground Pine

Ajuga chamaepitys is a small herb in the mint family, Lamiaceae. People call it ground pine, field cypress and yellow bugle. Its native range spans central and southern Europe, including Britain. It also reaches North Africa and parts of Asia. This species also has the name Teucrium chamaepitys. In southeastern England, it grows in scattered fields with sand or chalk. It also grows in open parts of chalk grassland.

The plant grows about 0.7 feet [0.2 metres] tall. It spreads about 0.7 feet [0.2 metres] wide as well. Most plants are annuals, which live for one year. Some live longer but are still short-lived perennials. They do not last as long as lasting garden plants. Crush the plant to release a scent like pine trees. This scent makes it a choice for gardens grown for scent. Its small size suits the front of a planted bed.

Flowers bloom from May to September, a long bloom season. Each flower has both male and female organs. Bees carry pollen to help the flowers set seed. The supplied species evidence gives no more flower or fruit details. It lists meadows and planted beds as places to grow it. These sites also show its links with open ground and fields. Its worth here comes from its small size, scent and flowers.

Grow it in full sun and soil that drains well. It can also grow in light shade. Its stated soil range spans sand, loam and clay. It copes with poor soil and dry sites. Yet one growing guide favours moist soil rich in humus. Humus is the decayed plant matter in the soil. Reports thus cover growing in dry to moist soil. It grows in mildly acid, neutral and alkaline soils. It also accepts very alkaline ground. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 5–9 for this species. Sow seed in spring where the plants will grow. Seeds may sprout unevenly, with no fixed pattern of growth.

Plants For A Future records no known food uses or hazards. The lack of known hazards does not prove it is safe to eat. People have used the leaves in herbal medicine. Past uses concern urine flow, menstruation and rheumatic aches. These are past uses, not advice on treating illness. People picked the leaves in summer and dried them for later use.