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Italian bugloss

Scientific Name: Anchusa azurea

Family: Boraginaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Anchusa azurea: Garden Anchusa and Italian Bugloss

Anchusa azurea, a member of the Boraginaceae family (the forget-me-not family), is known by the common names garden anchusa and Italian bugloss (or simply "bugloss"). It's sometimes also called Alkanet or Italian Alkanet.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions that Anchusa azurea has coarse and hairy leaves.

Considerations for Children

  • The text mentions that Anchusa azurea has coarse and hairy leaves.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Anchusa azurea Mill.
  • Family: Boraginaceae (Forget-me-not family)
  • Synonyms: Anchusa italica Retz, Anchusa italica

Description and Growth Habits

  • Anchusa azurea is an herbaceous perennial or biennial.
  • Plants form upright stems.
  • The leaves are described as coarse and hairy, with a light-green color.
  • Anchusa azurea 'Dropmore' can grow to be a tall perennial, reaching 4-5 feet in height.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Anchusa azurea is native to Europe.
  • It has been introduced in North America and other parts of the world.
  • It can be found in sides of arable fields and waste areas.
  • One Canadian cultivar of the Italian wildflower was introduced in 1905 by the Agricultural Research Station in Dropmore, Manitoba.

Ecological Role

  • Italian bugloss is sometimes considered an uncommon weed of pasture, crops, and roadsides.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Anchusa azurea is a favorite of bees and butterflies, serving as a source of pollination.

Other Notable Information

  • Anchusa azurea 'Dropmore' is known for its "true-blue" flowers, blooming from late spring into fall (June to August).
  • It is drought-tolerant and prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Seeds ripen from July to September.
  • In Crete, Anchusa azurea stems and leaves are boiled or steamed for food.

Resources and Further Information

  • Dave's Garden: A community sharing tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.
  • GenerousGardeners.com Plant Library
  • USDA PLANTS Database
  • Plant Delights Nursery