Rough Bugelweed
Lycopus asper
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Rough Bugelweed (Lycopus asper) 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.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Rough Bugelweed as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, IA and 22 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles, 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 areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Rough bugelweed is a native perennial herb that grows 1-3 feet tall with small white flowers in summer. It thrives in partial sun with moderate water needs and spreads slowly to form small colonies. The plant goes dormant in winter, returning each spring with fresh foliage.
In an HOA neighborhood
Rough Bugelweed takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Requires consistently wet conditions that may look messy
- Can spread aggressively and appear weedy
- Dies back completely leaving bare stems in winter
Wildlife value
This plant attracts bees, beetles, and flies during its July through September blooming period. It provides nectar for various native pollinators and beneficial insects.
Common questions
- How much sun does Rough Bugelweed need?
- Rough Bugelweed grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Rough Bugelweed bloom?
- Rough Bugelweed blooms in July, August, and September.
- Where is Rough Bugelweed native?
- Rough Bugelweed (Lycopus asper) is native to AZ, CA, CO, IA and 22 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Rough Bugelweed toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Rough Bugelweed as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Rough Bugelweed attract?
- Rough Bugelweed draws bees, beetles, and flies.
- Is Rough Bugelweed HOA-friendly?
- Rough Bugelweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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 Rough Bugelweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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