[clarification needed] At first sight, A. chamaepitys looks like a tiny pine tree with a reddish purple four-cornered hairy stem.

The leaves can get up to 4 cm long, are divided into three linear lobes, and, when crushed, have a smell similar to pine needles.

[2] Ajuga chamaepitys has stimulant, diuretic and emmenagogue action and is considered by herbalists to form a good remedy for gout and rheumatism and also to be useful in female disorders.

[3] Ground pine was a plant well known to Tudor herbalists who exploited the resins contained within the leaves.

It was composed of the leaves of Ajuga camaepitys, which has a slightly turpentine-like smell and a rough taste, with properties described as being similar to diluted alcohol.