Stachys ajugoides, commonly known as Bugle Hedgenettle, is a semi-deciduous perennial herb native to chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitats of California and Baja California. It typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters) and spreads about the same in width. The plant forms a low, spreading mound with wrinkled leaves and square stems, characteristic of the mint family. During summer and fall, it produces dense spikes of pink to purple flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators.

Bugle Hedgenettle is valued for its ability to fill in as a ground cover in garden settings, providing erosion control on slopes and in areas with poor soil. It is also used in border plantings and as an understory plant in dry shade gardens. This plant is drought-tolerant once established and can thrive with minimal supplemental watering. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot in overly wet conditions and may become leggy if not pruned regularly.CC BY-SA 4.0