Northern bugleweed
Lycopus uniflorus
Synonyms: Lycopus uniflorus var. membranacea, Lycopus uniflorus var. macrophyllus, Lycopus coreanus, Lycopus uniflorus f. flagellaris, Lycopus pumilus, Lycopus virginicus var. parviflorus, Lycopus communis, Lycopus uniflorus var. ovatus, Lycopus uniflorus var. parviflorus, Euhemus uniflorus, Lycopus parviflorus, Lycopus membranaceus
Western Herbalism Properties
Gallery
Botanical Description
Lycopus uniflorus, commonly known as northern bugleweed or one-flower water-horehound, is a slender herbaceous perennial in the family Lamiaceae native to wet habitats across northern North America and parts of northeastern Asia. It grows from a creeping rhizome that bears small tuberous swellings, producing erect square stems 10 to 60 centimeters tall. The opposite leaves are lance-shaped to elliptic, 3 to 8 centimeters long, sharply toothed and tapering at both ends, usually nearly hairless. Small white tubular two-lipped flowers are borne in dense whorled clusters in the axils of upper leaves from midsummer into autumn; despite the species name 'uniflorus' the flowers occur in modest clusters rather than singly. The fruit consists of four small nutlets enclosed in the persistent calyx. The species inhabits the margins of marshes, swamps, bogs, wet meadows, lakeshores and stream banks, often forming colonies through its rhizomatous spread.
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional American Uses
The Okanagon and Thompson peoples of interior British Columbia used the small tuberous roots of northern bugleweed as food, eaten raw, cooked, steamed or baked, and especially as a sweet dessert (Teit, 1928; Steedman, 1928; Turner et al., 1990). Medicinal use of L. uniflorus specifically is not prominently documented, but Lycopus species generally have a place in Western herbal practice as a mild thyroid-modulating sedative astringent.
Chemistry & External Identifiers
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.