VIPER'S BUGLOSS (ECHIUM VULGARE)
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Hardy perennial. Member of the Borage family. Also known as Snake Flower, Bluebottle and Blue Devil. Grows to about 30 cm, bees, butterflies, hoverflies and moths love its spikes of deep blue flowers with red stamens. Particular favourite of the Painted Lady butterfly, bees, hoverflies and moths. Larval host plant of the Wood White butterfly. Viper's Bugloss as a name was first used by Henry Lyte in 1578 in his New Herball. Bugloss - from a combination of the French "buglosse", Latin "buglossa and Greek "bouglossos, meaning ox-tongued, due to the rough texture of the leaves.
Found in the wild on chalk soils, particularly thriving in the south-east of England. Also found on wasteland, shingle and roadsides.
Was used against snake bite many years ago - hence its name, as it was used as an antidote to the venom of the Spotted Viper.
Tolerant of coastal conditions. Flowers June to September.
Plant in dry ground and a sunny spot. Chalky or limestone soil will also be acceptable. Cutting down flower stems as soon as flowering is over will stop the plant dying (it dies after setting seed).
CAUTION - skin irritant.
*This sheet is provided for information only and is in no way a prescription for use. Please seek the advice of a qualified herbalist before using*
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