VIPER’S-BUGLOSS

Class: Echium vulgare

Family: BORAGE FAMILY

Sub Family: Boraginaceae

Year: Biennial

Other Names: Blue-weed, Blue-devil

Colour: Bright blue, may be pink tinged

Height: 30-60 cm (1-2')

Each Flower: Broad funnel-shaped, up to 1.3 cm (1/2") long, opening into 5 lobes, upper 2 longer than lower 3; 5 reddish stamens, 4 of which protrude beyond lobes; hairy style longer than stamens; calyx 5-toothed, covered with bristly hairs; many pinkish buds; bristle-pointed bract at base of each flower

Leaves: Few narrow, inverted lance-shaped basal leaves up to 23 cm (9") long including stalks; stem leaves become progressively smaller up stem, upper ones stalkless; all stiffly hairy

Stems: Unbranched, stout, green, covered with dark, bristly hairs

Blooming Period: June - August

Habitat: Poor soil on banks, roadsides, and fields

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