SafePlants

Alkanna tinctoria: Dyer's Alkanet

Alkanna tinctoria, commonly known as dyer's alkanet or alkanet, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the borage family (Boraginaceae). It's particularly noted for its roots, which yield a red dye. The plant typically flowers in June.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that Alkanna preparations should be certified and labeled as hepatotoxic PA-free, implying the potential presence of hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in some varieties.

Considerations for Children

• The root of the plant is used as a red dye, and the plant contains the coloring agent Alkannin.
• The plant is viscid and glandular-hairy.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Alkanna tinctoria (L.) Tausch
• Family: Boraginaceae
• Synonyms:
  • Anchusa tinctoria L.
  • Lithospermum tinctorium (Vahl.)
  • Anchusa pusztarum Borbs
  • Alkanna lehmannii (Tineo) A. DC.
  • Baphorhiza tinctoria (L.) Link
  • Buglossum tinctorium Lam.
• Common Names:
  • Alkanet, Dyer's bugloss (English)
  • Orcanette, Alkanna (French)
• Other scientific names to note:
  • Alkanna tinctoria Tausch
  • Alkanna lehmanii (Tineo) A. DC.
  • Anchusa tinctoria, Linn
  • Lithospermum tinctoria

Distribution and Habitat

• Alkanna tinctoria grows in regions such as Hungary and Greece.
• Alkanna malatyana, a related species, is endemic to the eastern Anatolia region of Turkey.

Morphological Characteristics

• Alkanna tinctoria is a perennial plant growing to a height of 0.2 meters (approximately 8 inches) and a width of 0.3 meters (approximately 1 foot).
• It is described as a herbaceous, viscid, glandular-hairy, yellowish-green perennial, often cushion-like with much-branched stems that are erect or ascending and angular.

Uses

• The roots of Alkanna tinctoria are primarily used as a red dye. Alkannin, the coloring agent, needs to be extracted by steeping the root in alcohol and hot water before use in a dye bath.
• Historically, it has been used medicinally.

Quirky Facts

• The text notes that Alkanet can refer to two different plants: Alkanna tinctoria or Alkanna matthioli.
• The coloring agent in Alkanna tinctoria root is Alkannin.