Anchusa, Large blue alkanet
Anchusa azurea

Family: Boraginaceae

What it is like

A herb that keeps growing from year to year. It grows 45-120 cm high and 45-60 cm wide. The stems are red and have bristles. The lower leaves are 30 cm long. The leaves are hairy. The flowers are saucer shaped and bright blue.

There are about 25-35 Anchusa species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate and Mediterranean climate plant. It grows in waste ground and roadsides. It will grow on most soils. It can grow in dry areas. It is best in an open sunny position. It is resistant to drought and frost. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 3-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Albania, Australia, Balkans, Britain, Bulgaria, Canada, Central Asia, Cyprus, Egypt, Europe (country/location of origin), France, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Mediterranean, Middle East, Moldova, Morocco, North Africa, Pakistan, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkey, Türkiye, Ukraine

How it is used for food

The flowers are used in tossed salads. The young shoots are eaten as a vegetable. They are also eaten raw in salads. The leaves are eaten raw, boiled or fried. The flower nectar is sucked as a juice.

Edible parts

Flowers, leaves, seeds, flower - nectar, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by division.

Its other names

Local names

Aguamielera, Chupamiel, Citdayis, Eyninto, Gelezun, Gelzun, Golmza, Gormza, Gozrwan, Guriz, Gurizik, Guruz, Kormazi, Lenguaza, Mijmejok, Mussais, Oglossos, Ptziokos, Sigirdilli, Tort

Synonyms

Anchusa italica Retz.; Anchusa paniculata Ait.; Buglossum amoenum Gaertn.; and others