Common Viper's Bugloss
Echium vulgare
- Native to:
- Albania, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Corse, Cyprus, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, East Aegean Is., Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Krym, Netherlands, North Caucasus, Norway, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan
Ivar Leidus
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Boraginaceae
- Genus:
- Echium
- Species:
- Echium vulgare
- USDA Symbol:
- ECVU
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual | Biennial | Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 90 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- blue, purple, pink
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Yellow head bumble bee (Bombus flavifrons)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- dry, sandy, well-drained soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- thrives in disturbed areas and poor soils
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–28 days
- Notes:
- Surface sow or barely cover; germinates readily at 60-70°F. Light may aid germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.