Anchusa, Italian bugloss
Anchusa azurea

Family: Boraginaceae

What it is like

Anchusa azurea is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. 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, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 1.5

Where it is found

Sides of arable fields, waste places, roadsides and steppes on stony hills.

Europe - Caucasus. An occasional garden escape in Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Flowers - raw. An excellent and decorative addition to the salad bowl, or used as a garnish. The tender young leaves and young flowering shoots can be cooked and eaten as a vegetable.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The whole plant is antitussive, depurative, diaphoretic and diuretic. It is harvested when in flower and dried for later use. The dried and powdered herb is used as a poultice to treat inflammations. Use internally with caution, the plant contains the alkaloid cynoglossine which can have a paralyzing effect.

Antitussive: Prevents or relieves coughing.

Depurative: Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.

Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.

Other

Rating: 1

A red dye is obtained from the root. This was at one time used as a basis for some cosmetics.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

How it is grown

Succeeds in most soils, preferring a sunny position. Prefers a fertile well-drained soil. Tolerates heavy clay. Requires a deep well-drained soil. Established plants tolerate drought. Plants are hardy to about -15°c. The flowers are a good source of food for bees. Many named forms have been selected for their ornamental value. The plants tend to be short-lived perennials but they can be propagated by means of root cuttings.

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. Division in early spring. Root cuttings in autumn or early winter. Late winter is best.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 3-7

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. italica.