Anchusa azurea

Miller

Anchusa, Large blue alkanet

Boraginaceae Edible: Flowers, Leaves, Seeds, Flower - nectar, Vegetable 4,690 iNaturalist observations

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Stiller Beobachter from Ansbach, Germany (via Wikimedia Commons)

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Summary

Source: Wikipedia

Anchusa azurea is a species of flowering plant in the family Boraginaceae, known by the common names garden anchusa 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. It has straight lance-shaped leaves and petite tubular flowers about 15 millimeters across with five bright violet-blue petals. These flowers, which typically appear in May–July, are edible and attract bees. This species is native to Europe, western Asia, and eastern Maghreb. The genus name Anchusa comes from the Greek 'ankousa', which is the name of a root pigment once used for cosmetic purposes. Numerous cultivars have been developed for garden use, including 'Dropmore', 'Feltham Pride', 'Little John', 'Loddon Royalist' and 'Opal'. 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. It may be susceptible to leafminer and powdery mildew.

Description

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.

Edible Uses

The flowers are eaten raw and make an excellent, decorative addition to salads or can be used as a garnish. Tender young leaves and young flowering shoots can be cooked and eaten as a vegetable.

Traditional Uses

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.

Medicinal Uses

The whole plant is antitussive, depurative, diaphoretic, and diuretic. It is harvested in flower and dried for later use. The dried, powdered herb is applied as a poultice to treat inflammations. Use internally with caution — the plant contains the alkaloid cynoglossine, which can have a paralysing effect.

Distribution

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.

Where It Grows

Afghanistan, Africa, Albania, Australia, Balkans, Britain, Bulgaria, Canada, Central Asia, Cyprus, Egypt, Europe*, 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,

Cultivation

Succeeds in most soils, preferring a sunny position. Prefers a fertile well-drained soil. Tolerates heavy clay. Requires a deep well-drained soil. Established plants tolerate drought. Plants are hardy to about -15°c. The flowers are a good source of food for bees. Many named forms have been selected for their ornamental value. The plants tend to be short-lived perennials but they can be propagated by means of root cuttings.

Propagation

Sow seed in spring in pots of sandy soil. An overnight temperature drop aids germination, which typically occurs in 1–4 weeks at 21°C. Once large enough to handle, prick seedlings into individual pots and plant out during summer. The plant can also be propagated by division in early spring, or by root cuttings taken in autumn or early winter, with late winter being the preferred time.

Other Uses

A red dye obtained from the root was historically used as a base for some cosmetics.

Notes

There are about 25-35 Anchusa species.

Synonyms

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

Also Known As

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

References (40)

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Ari, S., et al, 2015, Ethnobotanical survey of plants used in Afyonkarahisar-Turkey. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 11:84
Blamey, M and Grey-Wilson, C., 2005, Wild flowers of the Mediterranean. A & C Black London. p 386
Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 79

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