Flower Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| English Name | Viper's Bugloss |
| MainColor | Blue |
| PlantType |  Herb |
| Growth Type |  Native |
| Season | August |
| ImageUrl | Echium-003 |
| Photographer | DP |
| Location | Whitely Bay |
| Human Toxicity |  Mildly_Toxic |
Flower Details
Description
Echium vulgare is a biennial or short-lived perennial plant with bristly stems and lanceolate leaves. It produces striking spikes of blue flowers with protruding stamens, which are attractive to pollinators like bees. The plant can grow up to 1 metre tall and is often found in dry, calcareous soils.
Distribution
Native to Europe and Western Asia, Viper's Bugloss is commonly found in meadows, roadsides, and waste areas. It has also been introduced to North America and other regions.
Medicinal/Other Uses
✅ Historically used in herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties and to treat respiratory issues. The plant has also been used to produce a blue dye.
Edibility
Caution Advised - leaves and seeds contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids which can be harmful if consumed in large quantities.
Human Toxicity
Mildly Toxic - ingestion of large amounts can lead to liver damage due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
Pet Toxicity
Highly Toxic to livestock - ingestion can cause liver damage and other health issues in grazing animals.
Active Compounds
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids, allantoin, rosmarinic acid.