Echium vulgare Viper's bugloss (Boraginaceae)

Browse Plants Articles

Power Search!

Browse Botanic Names

Sponsored By KhorWills

Echium vulgare
Viper's bugloss
(1 Page of 5)

The Echium vulgare plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Boraginaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Viper's bugloss.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Echium vulgare
Common Name:  Viper's bugloss
Family:  Boraginaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  The leaves are poisonous[20]. No cases of poisoning have ever been recorded for this plant[76]. The bristly hairs on the leaves and stems can cause severe dermatitis[207].

Mature Height:  0.9   Mature Width:  0.6

Habitat:  Calcareous and light dry soils, especially on cliffs near the sea[4, 7, 17]. It is also found on walls, old quarries and gravel pits[4].

Propagation Notes: Seed - sow February-May or August-November in situ. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 3 weeks at 15°c. If the seed is in short supply then it can be sown in pots in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.

For further Echium vulgare gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future