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Italian bugloss

How to identify Italian bugloss (Anchusa azurea)

Italian bugloss, also known as Large blue alkanet, Italian alkanet

Italian bugloss is distinguished by its bristly foliage and vivid, bright blue flowers. These flowers emerge in relaxed groupings, blooming prolifically from late spring through midsummer. Its perennial life cycle ensures that it returns year after year, although it tends to be short-lived. The plant stands erect, typically reaching heights up to 3-4 feet (about 90-120 cm) and is known for its rough texture. Each flower, presenting with five petals, provides a striking contrast against the green stems and leaves.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial, Biennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Italian bugloss

1

Bright violet flowers, 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) across, with tubular shape and five fused petals.

2

Straight lance-shaped leaves, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm), vibrant green with hairy texture.

3

Small dry schizocarp fruit, less than 0.2 inches (5 mm), composed of four one-seeded nutlets.

4

Bristly foliage with vivid blue flowers in relaxed groupings, standing erect up to 3-4 feet (90-120 cm).

5

Perennial plant with rough texture, short-lived, known for striking contrast between flowers and green stems.

Italian buglossItalian buglossItalian buglossItalian buglossItalian bugloss

Detailed Traits of Italian bugloss

Leaf Features

Italian bugloss leaves are straight, lance-shaped, and typically measure 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) in length. They are a vibrant green color and possess a rough, hairy texture. The leaves exhibit a pronounced central vein with finer veins branching out, forming a net-like pattern. Their edges are slightly wavy and they grow alternately along the stem. The surface of the leaves may appear slightly ridged due to the prominent venation pattern.

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Flower Features

Italian bugloss produces bright violet flowers from June to August. Each flower typically measures about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) across. The flowers possess a tubular shape with five petals that radiate from a central point. These petals are slightly fused at the base, forming a narrow throat. The blooms are arranged in dense clusters at the tips of the stems, creating an attractive display. While they are not notable for a strong scent, their vivid coloration makes them a striking sight in any garden.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of italian bugloss is a small, dry, nut-like structure, known as a schizocarp. Typically less than 0.2 inches (5 mm) in size, the fruit is composed of four one-seeded nutlets. When mature, these nutlets appear glossy and may vary in color from brown to blackish, often with a rough or wrinkled texture. These nutlets detach easily from the parent plant when ripe, aiding in the dispersal of the seeds from July to September.

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Key Facts About Italian bugloss

Attributes of Italian bugloss
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
50 cm
Spread
60 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
2.5 cm to 5 cm
Flower Color
Blue
Stem Color
Green
Blue
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Scientific Classification of Italian bugloss

Family
Borage
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Species
Italian bugloss (Anchusa azurea)
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Distribution Map of Italian bugloss

Italian bugloss is a plant with a native range across the Mediterranean Basin, parts of Western and Central Asia, and the Caucasus. It's been introduced to various regions worldwide, encompassing parts of Central Europe, Southeast Asia, South Africa, and the Middle East. Italian bugloss has adapted to cultivation outside its natural habitat.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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