VIPERS BUGLOSS EchAium vulgare
(Blueweed) Bristly native of Europe with brilliant blue flowers from June til frost. Thrives in dry, poor soils. Infusion of leaves is helpful for fevers, headaches and nervous complaints.Viper's bugloss was introduced from Europe in colonial times.
Description:Averaging 1 to 1.5m(3-5ft) in height, this biennial will produce a succession of bright blue flowers 1-2cm(1/2 to 1in) in diameter on tall spires from late spring through to midsummer in its second year. The flowers open, one or two at a time, on curled branches. The leaves are narrow lanceolate and can grow to 30cm (1ft) in length at the base of the stem, but become considerably smaller further up the stalk. All parts of the plant are stiffly hairy.
