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bugloss
Scientific Name: Anchusa
Family: Boraginaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Viper's Bugloss: A Wildflower with Many Names
Viper's Bugloss, scientifically known as Echium vulgare, is a striking wildflower with a rich history and many common names, including Blueweed, Blue-devil, Blue Thistle, Blue Echium, and Blue Cat's Tail. The name "Bugloss" itself has a long history, surviving through various cultural translations.
It is sometimes confused with Echium plantagineum, known in Australia as Patterson's Curse, though they are distinct species.
Considerations for Pets
- The leaves of Viper's Bugloss are noted as potentially poisonous.
- The plant is roughly hairy.
Considerations for Children
- The plant is roughly hairy.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Echium vulgare
- Family: Boraginaceae (Borage Family)
- Synonyms: Some texts list Anchusa myosotidiflora as a synonym for Siberian Bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla), a related plant.
- Closely related to common bugloss, alkanets, and borage.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to most of Europe and western Asia.
- Native biennial throughout England and Wales.
- Commonly found on sandy and chalky soils.
- Often seen on bare places, chalk and limestone grasslands, and undisturbed situations.
Morphological Characteristics
- A medium to tall grassland biennial.
- Grows to a height and spread of 50-120 cm.
- Roughly hairy plant.
- Tall, unbranched spike covered with many curved sprays of flowers.
- Dense spikes of bright blue, funnel-shaped flowers.
- Flower buds are curled and open from those nearest the stem first, progressing outwards.
- Upper leaves are unstalked and half-clasping the stem.
Ecological Role
- Viper's Bugloss is a very popular plant with bees, butterflies, and moths.
- Considered one of the best plants for attracting bees to a garden, along with Borage and Phacelia.
Quirky Facts
- In the Language of Flowers, Viper's Bugloss stands for falsehood, inspired by its snake-like nature.
- It's the County Flower of East Lothian/Haddintonshire.
- Historically, it was used to relieve snake bites.
- Viper's Bugloss honey is a yellow gold color with a light clean taste, a floral bouquet, and lemon characteristics.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- The caterpillar of the tribe Hadenini feeds on viper's bugloss and related plants.
- It is highly attractive to bees.
Resources and Further Information
- RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)
- Dave's Garden