Alkanet, Common bugloss
Anchusa officinalis
Family: Boraginaceae
What it is like
Anchusa officinalis/ Alkanet or Common bugloss is a perennial usually found on roadsides, pastures and waste ground. It has edible leaves and flowers and minor medicinal and other uses.
Anchusa officinalis is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to October, and the seeds ripen from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
Roadsides, pastures and waste ground, preferring warmer areas.
Europe to W. Asia. An introduced casual in Britain.
Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed.
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Leaves and young shoots - cooked. Used like spinach. Flowers - cooked or used as a garnish. The red dye obtained from the roots can be used to colour oils and fats.
Colouring: edible dyes
Medicine
Rating: 1
All parts of the plant are demulcent and expectorant. They are used externally to treat cuts, bruises and phlebitis and internally to treat coughs and bronchial catarrh. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant. It is used in the treatment of stomach and duodenal ulcers.
Demulcent: Soothes, lubricates and softens irritated tissues, especially the mucous membranes.
Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
Homeopathy: A plant used in homeopathic treatments.
Other
Rating: 1
A red dye is obtained from the roots.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Succeeds in most soils, preferring a sunny position. Prefers a fertile well-drained soil. The flowers are a rich source of nectar and are very attractive to bees. The dry leaves emit a rich musky fragrance, rather like wild strawberry leaves drying.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in pots of sandy soil. An overnight drop in temperature helps germination. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 4 weeks at 21°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. The seed can also be sown in an outdoor seed bed during July, transplanting the plants to their final positions during early autumn. These plants will grow larger and flower earlier than those sown in spring.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Biennial/Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
This plant can be weedy or invasive. In the US: Oregon (common bugloss): ”B” designated weed/Quarantine and Washington a Class B noxious weed/Noxious weed seed and plant quarantine.