Green alkanet

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Green Alkanet
Pentaglottis sempervirens
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Family: Boraginaceae Genus: Pentaglottis Species: P. sempervirens
Binomial name
Pentaglottis sempervirens L.

The Green Alkanet (also Pentaglottis, Evergreen Bugloss and Alkanet) is a bristly, perennial plant growing to approxmately 60cm (24") to 90cm (36") in height usually in damp or shaded places and often close to buildings. The Green Alkanet flowers in spring and early summer and can be used in culinary preparations such as foods and drinks.

The Green Alkanet originated from France and the Iberian Peninsula and was brought to Britain for the red dye which can be extracted from its roots. Subsequently, the plant spread to the wild and is known to have naturalised throughout Europe and some coastal regions of North America. The plant can cause mild nettle-like stings to some individuals.

Pentaglottis sempervirens, flower close-up

Pentaglottis sempervirens, stalk and flowers

[edit] References

• Plants For A Future Pentaglottis sempervirens