Green alkanet
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| Green Alkanet | ||||||||||||
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 Pentaglottis sempervirens
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| Pentaglottis sempervirens L. |
The Green Alkanet (also Pentaglottis, Evergreen Bugloss and Alkanet) is a bristly, perennial plant growing to approximately 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. Its deep taproots make it a very difficult plant to eradicate; it will regrow from any parts left behind in the soil.
 Pentaglottis sempervirens, flower close-up |
 Pentaglottis sempervirens, stalk and flowers |
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