Common borage - Borago officinalis (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Common borage

Also known as: Cover Crop, Borage, Beebread, Tailwort

The edible leaves of common borage, said to have the fragrance and taste of cucumbers, are often used to make salads, soup, and sauces. Its blue, star-like flowers can also be used as an attractive drink garnish and as an ingredient in some gins. The plant is also commercially cultivated for borage seed oil.

Scientific classification

Species

Common borage (Borago officinalis)

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Toxic to Pets

Toxicity

Annual, Biennial, Perennial

Lifespan

22 cm to 60 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

1.5 cm to 2.5 cm

Flower Size

Green

Fruit Color

Blue, White

Flower Color

Green, Red, Brown

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Common borage

Distribution of Common borage

Distribution Map

The native range of common borage is Western and Central Mediterranean. It naturally grows in disturbed sites of urban environments. The species was introduced to many European and Asian countries, and much of North America, where it tends to invade disturbed areas. It is considered invasive in Alaska (USA).

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Waste ground

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Economic Value

Borage seeds can be refined into essential oil and its flowers can be made into candies.

Garden Use

The common borage is an edible plant widely grown as a bed and border plant within edible herb, cottage, and pollinator gardens. In addition to being edible, the common borage is prized for being low care as it is both pest and disease free. It can be accompanied by a range of companion plants, such as cornflower, chives, annual sage, and common poppy.

Symbolism

Courage, romantic longing, domestic tranquility

Interesting Facts

According to legend, one should hold up a common borage in both hands, silently recite the name of ones' love, then let the common borage fall into the water. If the common borage moves with the water, then the love is destined for nothing; if the common borage floats quietly in the middle of the water, then the love will last forever.

Name Story

Common borage: Borage is considered as its common name and its genus name. Borago comes from medieval Latin, meaning "short wool, rough hair" in which the stems and leaves are covered with hairs. Borage is a very common plant and it is one of the vegetables and herbs that can be grown in many places, so it is called common borage.

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Toxicity

Common borage contains toxins harmful to cats and dogs, targeting stems, leaves, seeds, and roots. Cats face kidney and liver failure with symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Dogs experience gastrointestinal distress including vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and tremors. Immediate treatment is crucial as severe cases can be fatal.

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Quickly Identify Common borage

Star-shaped blue flowers with white-haired sepals

Coarse, wrinkled, gray-green leaves with bristly hairs

Highly branched stem covered in white bristly hairs

Distinctive cucumber-like fragrance in blooms

Blooms from late spring to early fall

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Care Guide for Common borage

Twice per week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Originating from a Mediterranean climate, common borage prefers moderate humidity and occasional drying. It requires consistent moisture, with watering twice a week, and demonstrates moderate drought tolerance. Best grown outdoors, common borage flourishes with evenly moist soil during its active growing season for optimal health.

Fertilize: Common borage thrives with balanced NPK fertilizers (10-10-10) applied every 4-6 weeks during growth. High nitrogen boosts foliage early on. Avoid over-fertilization and reduce feeding in dormancy. Slow-release formulas and post-application watering help prevent root burn.

Pruning: Common borage features bright blue flowers and has medicinal uses. Prune in early to late spring for healthy growth, remove dead stems, and promote air circulation. Post-bloom pruning may foster a second flowering. Use clean tools to prevent diseases and ensure effective cuts.

Propagation: Common borage propagates mainly by sowing in Spring, which is moderate in difficulty. Indicators of successful propagation include the appearance of seedlings and strong growth. For best results, sow seeds shallowly and ensure proper spacing.

Repotting: Provide common borage with excellent drainage in pots to ensure optimal growth and prevent root rot.

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Images of Common borage

Distribution of Common borage

Culture

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Common borage

Care Guide for Common borage

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