Echium plantagineum aka Purple Viper's Bugloss

Echium plantagineum, also known as purple viper's-bugloss or Patterson's curse, is a species of the Echium genus. It is native to western and southern Europe, northern Africa, and southwestern Asia, but has been introduced to Australia, South Africa, and the United States, where it has become an invasive weed. The name "Echium" comes from the Greek word for viper, and the plant's nutlets resemble the head of a viper. The genus includes around 70 different species and subspecies that are native to Europe, Central Asia, the Macaronesian islands, and North Africa. The shrubs of the Echium have a tall crown, and some can grow up to 12 feet tall. Purple Viper's-Bugloss is a super rare houseplant that requires regular watering and direct light to thrive. It belongs to the Echium genus and is native to Europe and the Mediterranean. Due to its high concentration of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, Echium plantagineum is poisonous to grazing livestock, especially horses. The plant is best suited for soil beds and can be easily grown from seeds planted from February to May. When repotted each time it doubles in size, fertilizers are not necessary.