Lycopus Lucidus
Contents
Description
Lycopus Lucidus, also known as Shiny Bugleweed, is a perennial herb that belongs to the mint family. It is native to North America and can be found in wetlands, marshes, and along stream banks. The plant is known for its medicinal properties and has been used by Native Americans for centuries to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, fever, and sore throats.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Lycopus |
Appearance
Lycopus Lucidus grows up to 3 feet tall and has a spread of about 2 feet. The plant has a square stem that is hairy and reddish-brown in color. The leaves are dark green and glossy, with a toothed margin. The flowers are small and white, and bloom in late summer to early fall. The plant produces small, black, shiny seeds that are dispersed by water.
Care Guide
Lycopus Lucidus prefers to grow in moist soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant can be grown in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a wide range of soil types. It is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.
Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in the spring.
Soil: Provide well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: Grow in full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: Hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lycopus Lucidus is generally pest and disease resistant. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and leaf spot if grown in poorly ventilated areas. To prevent these diseases, provide good air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering.
Habitat
Lycopus Lucidus is native to North America and can be found in wetlands, marshes, and along stream banks. The plant prefers to grow in moist, shady areas and can tolerate a wide range of soil types. It is commonly used in native plant gardens and in wetland restoration projects.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Lycopus Lucidus deer resistant?
A: Yes, Lycopus Lucidus is generally deer resistant.
Q: Can Lycopus Lucidus be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Lycopus Lucidus can be grown in containers as long as the soil remains consistently moist.
Q: What is the best time to plant Lycopus Lucidus?
A: The best time to plant Lycopus Lucidus is in the spring or fall.
Q: How often should Lycopus Lucidus be fertilized?
A: Fertilize Lycopus Lucidus once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
- Lycopus americanus
- Lycopus europaeus
- Lycopus uniflorus
- Lycopus virginicus
References
- “Lycopus Lucidus.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c580.
- “Shiny Bugleweed.” Illinois Wildflowers, www.illinoiswildflowers.info/wetland/plants/sh_bugleweed.htm.
- “Lycopus Lucidus.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=LYLU.
