Anchusa officinalis aka Alkanet

Anchusa officinalis belongs to the borage family, Boraginaceae. Its common names include alkanet, common bugloss and oxtongue. Its range runs from Europe to the Caucasus. PFAF also lists its presence in Turkey. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. It grows along roadsides, in pastures and on waste ground. PFAF notes that it favours warmer sites within this range.

In gardens, this bushy plant usually lives as a biennial. Some plants persist as perennials, as other sources describe it. It reaches about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] in height. Its spread falls within the same range. Plants reach full size in one to two years. The foliage is semi-evergreen, so some leaves may remain through winter. Bristles can irritate skin when people handle the plant. Many spikes bear blue flowers from midsummer until the first frost. This long flowering season gives it a place in beds and borders.

Grow it in full sun with soil that drains well. The RHS recommends moist soil with moderate fertility. It accepts chalk, clay, loam and sand. Acid, neutral and alkaline soils all suit it. Sites may face south, east or west. Both exposed and sheltered positions are suitable. The RHS rates its hardiness as H6. This covers winter lows of about −20 to −15°C. PFAF gives USDA zones 4–8. These ratings use different systems and should not be treated as exact equivalents.

Seeds can be sown in late winter or early spring. The RHS gives a germination temperature of 13–16°C. Basal cuttings offer another way to raise plants in spring. Root cuttings can be taken in winter. Cut away old stems once flowering ends. Pests seldom cause trouble, though powdery mildew may affect plants. PFAF records wildlife value and flags some weed potential. Its roots also yield a red dye. This has served to colour oils and fats.

Reports of food use need care because the safety evidence differs. PFAF lists cooked leaves and young shoots as food. It also records cooked flowers and flowers used as garnishes. That source reports no known hazards. The RHS, however, warns that the bristles can irritate skin. Wear gloves and protective clothing when handling it. These records do not establish that eating it is safe. PFAF also records traditional medicinal uses, including cough treatments and external applications. Such historical uses do not show that a treatment works.