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Northern Bugleweed

Lycopus uniflorus

Last reviewed: August 2026

Northern Bugleweed (Lycopus uniflorus)
Photo: (c) aarongunnar, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by aarongunnar

Toxicity unknown

Northern Bugleweed (Lycopus uniflorus) 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

8"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AR, CA, CO, CT and 21 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

High PlainsCentral Great PlainsGreat PlainsNorthern Glaciated PlainsWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorthern ForestsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Northern bugleweed is a low-growing native perennial that forms compact clumps in moist areas. It produces small white flowers in summer and has a neat, controlled growth habit that stays well within bounds.

In an HOA neighborhood

Northern Bugleweed is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The summer blooms attract various bees and beneficial flies. Its compact size and reliable flowering make it a good pollinator plant for smaller garden spaces.

Common questions

How much sun does Northern Bugleweed need?
Northern Bugleweed grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Northern Bugleweed bloom?
Northern Bugleweed blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Northern Bugleweed native?
Northern Bugleweed (Lycopus uniflorus) is native to AR, CA, CO, CT and 21 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Northern Bugleweed attract?
Northern Bugleweed draws bees and flies.
Is Northern Bugleweed HOA-friendly?
Northern Bugleweed is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Northern Bugleweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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