Very similar to the previous species in habit, size and indumentum, but usually with a woodier rootstock, leaves often larger (up to 9 x 3.5 cm but usually much less) with a more crenate to ± lobed margin, calyces 3-4.5 mm, corollas (7-) 10 (-13) mm, stamens usually exserted, and nutlets clearly longer and broader (c. 2-2.5 x 1.5 mm) and brown-black. The leaves and calyces tend to dry darker in colour than Ajuga parviflora.

Fl. Per.: March-December.

Type: Nepal, ann. 1831, Wallich.

Distribution: E. Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kashmir, Himalayas to Bhutan, Burma, China, Malaysia.

A common, rather xerophytic plant from the plains up to c. 2200 in, represented by a large number of collections (only a selection is cited above).

A close ally of Ajuga parvifora and sometimes, in literature, confused with it. Although the characters given above in combination clearly separate the two species, the size of the nutlets (which are usually present on all but the most immature specimens) is apparently the best single distinguishing feature.

The floral differences of smaller flowers and included stamens, combined with their very similar distribution (in our area) might suggest that Ajuga parviflora was merely a male-sterile sex form of Ajuga bracteosa. But this does not seem to be the case as several of the specimens of Ajuga parviflora examined had normal well-formed pollen.