Common alkanet

← Back to the app

Anchusa officinalis

Common alkanet, a reference photo
Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz · CC BY-SA 4.0 (licence)

Anchusa officinalis, also knowns as common bugloss or common alkanet, is a species of flowering plant in the borage family. It is native to Europe and small parts of western Asia, but has been escaped from cultivation to grow in additional locations in Europe and the Americas. The flowers are noted for their popularity with bumblebees due to a large nectar flow. The plants have been used in traditional medicines, but were falling out of favor by the early 1800s. They are still planted in gardens for their popularity with bees and their blue flowers.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it poisonous?

We have no record of Common alkanet being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.

Easily confused with

Classification

Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Tracheophyta
Class
Magnoliopsida
Order
Boraginales
Family
Boraginaceae
Genus
Anchusa
Species
Anchusa officinalis

Found one? Take a photo and B.inomen will suggest what it is, free.

Check your photo

More species

Common alkanet (Anchusa officinalis) · B.inomen