Ajuga yesoensis Maxim. ex Franch. et Sav.
[Lamiaceae (Labiatae)]
Nishikigoromo (ニシキゴロモ, 錦衣)
Lifeform: perennial forb < 15 cm high
Distribution: endemic to Japan (mainly in Japan Sea side)
Habitat: grasslands, sunny deciduous forests, and forest edges
Varieties
var. tsukubana Nakai (ツクバキンモンソウ): Pacific Sea side
f. albiflora Honda (シロバナニシキゴロモ)
Ajuga yesoensis in Hokkaido
[Left] a patch. [Right] close-up of flowers. On the southern foot of Mount Usu on May 13 2011.