Native Plant Alternatives to Ajuga reptans (Carpet Bugle)

Ajuga reptans, commonly known as Carpet Bugle, is a fast-growing and vigorous groundcover that, while useful in some gardening contexts, is listed in the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States. Its invasive nature is due to its rapid spreading habit, mainly through runners, enabling it to cover large areas and outcompete native vegetation quickly. It is particularly problematic in shaded woodlands, meadows, and natural areas, where it forms dense mats, choking out other plants. Although attractive with its dark green or purplish leaves and blue flower spikes, Ajuga’s aggressive growth necessitates careful management or avoidance in areas where it could escape into non-garden habitats.

Carpet Bugle is listed in the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.

According to the U.S Forest Service, Invasive species have contributed to the decline of 42% of U.S. endangered and threatened species and 18% of U.S. endangered or threatened species. Invasive species compete directly with native species for moisture, sunlight, nutrients, and space. They displace and alter native plant communities, degrade wildlife habitat and water quality, and potentially increase soil erosion.

The federal government has estimated that nearly 25 percent of the 20,000 plant species native to North America are at risk of extinction, many of these through habitat loss. You can help reverse this trend by planting native plants in your garden.

A plant is considered native if naturally occurring in a particular region or ecosystem without human introduction. There are many benefits to growing native plants. First, these plants are better adapted to soils, moisture, and weather than exotic plants that evolved in other parts of the world. They need less fertilizers, pesticides or use less water. Second, they are unlikely to escape and become invasive, destroying natural habitats. Third, they support wildlife, providing shelter and food for native birds and insects, while exotic plants do not.