Common bugloss Anchusa officinalis
ABOUT
The common name for Anchusa officinalis is common bugloss. This plant is notable for its hairy stems and leaves, which are a deep green color and have a rough texture. The leaves are lance-shaped with a slightly wider base, narrowing into a point. The plant typically produces vivid blue flowers, each with five petals forming a tubular structure. They often bear delicate white markings near the center, which contrasts with the deep blue of the petals. These flowers are grouped in small clusters at the tips of the stems, giving a rich display of color when in bloom. The roots of common bugloss, not visible above ground, are known for their black hue when cut open. Overall, the rough texture and striking blue flowers are the most recognizable features of this plant.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Boraginaceae
Synonyms
Common Bugloss, True Alkanet, Garden Anchusa, Common Alkanet, Dyer's Bugloss, Orchanet, Spanish Bugloss, Bugloss
Common names
Anchusa arvensis, Anchusa azurea, Anchusa floridula, Anchusa litorea, Anchusa longiflora, Anchusa sempervirens, Anchusa undulata, Anchusa uniflora, Anchusa verna, Buglossoides arvensis, Buglossoides arvensis var. decumbens, Buglossoides arvensis var. intermedia, Buglossoides floridula, Buglossoides litorea, Buglossoides longiflora, Lithospermum officinale.
ToxicityTo humans
Common bugloss (Anchusa officinalis) contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are toxic compounds known to cause liver damage if ingested in significant quantities. The presence of these alkaloids can lead to a condition known as pyrrolizidine alkaloidosis, which is characterized by symptoms such as gastroenteritis (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), hepatic veno-occlusive disease, liver failure, and in severe cases, it may progress to long-term health complications like cirrhosis or liver cancer with chronic exposure. Consumption of any part of common bugloss should be avoided.
To pets
Common bugloss (Anchusa officinalis) is also toxic to pets due to its pyrrolizidine alkaloids content. Similar to humans, ingestion of the plant by pets can result in liver damage. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, appetite loss, and signs of liver failure such as jaundice. Chronic ingestion can lead to severe and irreversible liver damage. If you suspect your pet has ingested common bugloss, it is essential to seek veterinary care immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-7
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Bugloss serves as a nectar source for bees and other pollinating insects, enhancing pollination in the garden.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Erosion Control: The plant's deep root system helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Ornamental Value: Bugloss adds visual interest to gardens with its vibrant blue flowers and bristly leaves.
- Perennial Growth: Being a perennial, it returns year after year, providing long-term presence in a garden setting.
- Wildlife Habitat: It offers shelter and food to various species of insects, supporting biodiversity.
Medical Properties- Expectorant: Traditionally used to help relieve coughs and respiratory congestion.
- Diuretic: Sometimes used to promote urine production and relieve fluid retention.
- Emollient: The plant has been applied externally to soften and soothe the skin.
- Astringent: Used in historical herbal medicine to tighten tissues and reduce bleeding.
- Hepatoprotective: Considered by herbalists to have protective effects on the liver.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a fabric dye: Alkanet (Anchusa officinalis) has been traditionally used as a red dye for fabrics, particularly for coloring cloths and textiles a vibrant ruby red.
- In woodworking: The root of alkanet is employed to impart color to varnishes and wood stains, often giving wooden products like furniture a unique reddish shade.
- In cosmetic products: Alkanet extract is sometimes used in lip balms and lipsticks for its tinting qualities, providing a natural reddish pigment.
- In soap making: Crafters of handmade soaps utilize the root to naturally color their soaps without using artificial dyes.
- As a natural food coloring: The roots can be used to give a red hue to a variety of food items including oils and syrups.
- As a coloring agent in wines and spirits: Adding a distinct visual appeal, alkanet root was historically used to enhance the visual warmth of certain alcoholic beverages.
- In candle making: The colorant properties of alkanet are suitable for dying wax, thus creating aesthetically appealing candles.
- In art supplies: Historically, artists have used alkanet to make pigments for oil paints because of its ability to provide a stable, lightfast color.
- As a colorant in homemade crafts: The versatility of the dye extracted from alkanet means it can be used in a range of DIY crafts to add coloring.
- For ink production: The natural dye qualities of alkanet can be used for producing inks for writing, drawing, or calligraphy.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Alkanet is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Alkanet is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Forgotten beauty: Anchusa officinalis, commonly known as Alkanet, is often overlooked in the wild, but it holds a delicate allure in its vivid blue flowers, symbolizing hidden or forgotten beauty.
- Delicacy: The small and intricate blossoms of the Alkanet plant represent delicacy and the appreciation for subtle splendor.
- Healing: Alkanet has been historically used for its medicinal properties, symbolizing health and healing in various traditions.
- Protection: With its rich, reddish root dye used in the past as a food additive and fabric dye, Alkanet represents protection against negative influences and the warding off of evil spirits.
WaterAlkanet, known also as Anchusa officinalis, should be watered deeply but infrequently to simulate natural environmental conditions. During active growth in spring and summer, water approximately once a week, providing 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant, depending on the soil and weather conditions, ensuring that moisture reaches the roots. Cut back on watering in the fall and winter months, keeping it to about once every two weeks or less, depending on rainfall. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important to ensure proper drainage and avoid letting the plant sit in waterlogged soil.
LightAlkanet thrives in full to partial sunlight, with a preference for a sunny spot where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. The best light conditions for optimal growth and flowering are in areas with unobstructed sunlight, although it can tolerate some light shade, especially in hot climates.
TemperatureAlkanet prefers a temperate climate with temperatures ranging between 50°F and 80°F for optimal growth. While it can tolerate cold down to about -5°F, frost can damage the plant; similarly, extreme heat above 90°F might stress it. Ideal growth conditions are ones where the daytime temperature is consistently around 70°F.
PruningPrune alkanet to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth as well as to remove any spent flowers or dead growth, which can be done throughout its growing season. The best time to prune heavily, if needed, is late winter or early spring before the onset of new growth. Annual light pruning helps to promote more vigorous plants and a pleasing form.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBugloss thrives in well-draining soil with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral. A mix containing loamy or sandy soil with some compost is ideal for Anchusa officinalis. Ensure that the soil allows for good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
RepottingCommon bugloss does not typically require frequent repotting as it is a perennial herbaceous plant. Repot Anchusa officinalis only if it outgrows its current pot or every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingCommon bugloss prefers moderate humidity and does not require any special humidity conditions. It will do well in average outdoor humidity levels, making it a good garden plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow bugloss in a sunny spot, in well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant bugloss in sun, well-drained soil; water sparingly.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleAnchusa officinalis, commonly known as common bugloss, begins its life as a seed that germinates in early spring to produce a small rosette of leaves. As the plant matures during its first year, it develops a deep taproot and a basal rosette of lanceolate leaves. In its second year, common bugloss sends up erect, branched stems that can grow up to 60-120 cm tall, bearing narrow, hairy leaves and small, bright blue, five-petaled flowers that bloom in the late spring to summer. These flowers are hermaphroditic and are pollinated by bees, after which they produce small nutlet fruits. After seeding, the plant often dies off, completing its biennial life cycle, though some plants can persist as short-lived perennials. The seeds may lie dormant in the soil before germinating when conditions are suitable, starting the cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: The common Bugloss, or Anchusa officinalis, is typically propagated through seed. The optimal time to sow the seeds is in spring after the last frost has passed, when the soil has warmed up to at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit (around 21 degrees Celsius). To propagate Bugloss by seed, one should scatter the seeds onto a well-draining soil surface and lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil or compost. The seeds require sunlight to germinate, so they should not be sown too deeply. Water the area gently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and germination should occur within two to three weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be thinned out and transplanted to their final locations in the garden. This method is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness in producing new, true-to-type plants.
