Anchusa officinalis

Category: Perennials — Common Bugloss, Alkanet

A perennial or biennial with an upright growth habit. This plant can reach a height of 60 to 90 cm. From May to September, it blooms with deep violet-blue flowers, which are very attractive to bees, bumblebees, and other pollinators. The leaves are rough-haired and lack striking autumn coloration, but as the name suggests, they resemble the tongue of an ox or cow. Anchusa officinalis grows best in a sunny location in dry to moderately moist, calcareous, and well-drained soil. The species is very winter-hardy. It is often used in borders, natural gardens, and wildflower meadows for its ecological value. Anchusa officinalis is not poisonous and was historically even used medicinally, although internal use is now discouraged due to the possible presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids.