Japanese name: ニシキゴロモ（錦衣） Scientific name:Ajuga yesoensis var. yesoensis
[Overview]
A perennial found mainly in hilly areas on the Sea of Japan side.
Several stems emerge; they are erect and do not fall over even after flowering.
The leaves are opposite, and the 2–3 pairs of leaves on the lower part of the stem are scale-like.
The upper part of the stem bears several pairs of leaves, oblong to broadly ovate, 2–6 cm long and 1–3 cm wide, with wavy serrations.
The upper leaf surface is not glossy and the veins are tinged with purple; the underside is sometimes tinged with purple.
The flowers are borne 2–6 at a time in the leaf axils on the upper part of the stem, and are pale pink to purple.
The flowers are lipped, about 1.1–1.3 cm long, with the upper lip 2-lobed and erect, and the lower lip 3-lobed.
The fruit is a schizocarp.
