European Bugleweed
Lycopus europaeus
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
European Bugleweed (Lycopus europaeus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part sun
Water
high
Size
12"–48" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Pollinators
bees, wasps, beetles
Native alternatives to European Bugleweed
European Bugleweed is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaEuropean bugleweed is a moisture-loving perennial that forms spreading colonies in wet areas. It produces small white flowers from summer through early fall and thrives in partial shade with consistently moist soil.
In an HOA neighborhood
European Bugleweed takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Has weedy appearance and informal growth habit
- Spreads aggressively in moist conditions
- Non-native species may be viewed unfavorably
Wildlife value
The long blooming period attracts various pollinators including bees, wasps, and beetles throughout the summer months.
Common questions
- How much sun does European Bugleweed need?
- European Bugleweed grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does European Bugleweed bloom?
- European Bugleweed blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- What pollinators does European Bugleweed attract?
- European Bugleweed draws bees, wasps, and beetles.
- Is European Bugleweed HOA-friendly?
- European Bugleweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow European Bugleweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz