Echium vulgare 'Viper's Bugloss'

[Ex. Co. Durham, England]

Boraginaceae: upright biennial covered in reddish bristles to 80cm. growing in dry grassland, manly on sandy and calcareous soils, often near the coast. The flowers are funnel-shaped, bright blue with protruding purplish stamens, which resemble viper’s tongues, flowers arranged in tall spikes from May-September. Sharp spikes protect the rough seeds. Widespread and common in England and wales, but fairly scarce elsewhere in the country. Native to Europe, including Britain, from Scandinavia south and east to Spain, the Urals and Western Asia.

USES:

Viper's bugloss was once considered to be a preventative and remedy for viper bites, it is related to borage, Borago officinalis, and has many similar actions, especially in its sweat-inducing and diuretic effects. In recent times, however, it has fallen out of use, partly due to lack of interest in its medicinal potential and partly to its content of pyrrolizidine alkaloids which are toxic in isolation. The leaves and flowering stems are antitussive, aphrodisiac, demulcent, diaphoretic, diuretic, pectoral and vulnerary. An infusion of the plant is taken internally as a diuretic and in the treatment of fevers, headaches, chest conditions.

Echium vulgare make very good bee plants.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Sow seeds from February-May or August-November in situ. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 3 weeks at 15°C. If the seed is in short supply then its best sown in pots in a cold frame.

HARVESTED: 

APPROX. 200+ SEEDS