Anchusa azurea is a species of flowering plant in the family Boraginaceae, known by the common names garden anchusa[1] and Italian bugloss (or just "bugloss"). This bristly herbaceous perennial may reach 1.5 m (4.9 ft) tall and 60 cm (24 in) wide.[2] It has straight lance-shaped leaves and petite tubular flowers about 15 millimeters across with five bright violet-blue petals.[3] These flowers, which typically appear in May–July, are edible and attract bees.[4] This species is native to Europe, western Asia, and eastern Maghreb.[5]
| Anchusa azurea | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Boraginales |
| Family: | Boraginaceae |
| Genus: | Anchusa |
| Species: | A. azurea |
| Binomial name | |
| Anchusa azurea | |
| Synonyms | |
Anchusa italica | |
The genus name Anchusa comes from the Greek 'ankousa', which is the name of a root pigment once used for cosmetic purposes.[6]
Numerous cultivars have been developed for garden use, including 'Dropmore', 'Feltham Pride', 'Little John', 'Loddon Royalist' and 'Opal'.[7]
In the US it is suitable for hardiness zones 3–8. It grows best in full sun with good drainage, and is drought tolerant once established.[7] It may be susceptible to leafminer and powdery mildew.[8]
References
External links
