Purple viper's-bugloss

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Echium plantagineum

Purple viper's-bugloss, a reference photo
Photo: Alvesgaspar · CC BY-SA 3.0 (licence)

Echium plantagineum, commonly known as purple viper's-bugloss, Paterson's curse or Salvation Jane, is a species of the genus Echium native to western and southern Europe (from southern England south to Iberia and east to the Crimea), northern Africa, and southwestern Asia (east to Georgia). It has also been introduced to Australia, South Africa, and United States, where it is an invasive weed. Due to a high concentration of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, it is poisonous to grazing livestock, especially those with simple digestive systems, such as horses.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it poisonous?

We have no record of Purple viper's-bugloss 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
Echium
Species
Echium plantagineum

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