Echium plantaginum, also called viper's bugloss, cordial flowers, bugloss, purple flower, vine honeysucker, cow's tongue, ox tongue and viperine, is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the family BoraginaceaeIt is called viper's ear because of the remarkable similarity of its seeds to the head of a snake, even evoking the term 'viper' in its scientific name.
Native to the western Mediterranean, Echium plantagineum is widely distributed in Europe (Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, England, Bulgaria, Greece), North Africa, and the Near East. It later spread to other continents, including Australia, South Africa, Chile, Argentina, Canada, and the United States. It may receive specific local names in each region; for example, "Salvation Jane" in Australia, where it is even a significant invasive species. To learn about other similar species, visit our page on Echium Creticum.
Taxonomy and alternative names
- Kingdom: Plant
- Division: Streptophyta / Tracheophyta
- Class: Magnoliopside
- Order: Boraginales / Lamiales (according to taxonomic sources)
- Family: Boraginaceae
- Gender: echium
- Species: Echium plantagineum L.
Some recognized synonyms: Echium lycopsis, Echium maritimum, Echium plantaginoides, Echium sennenii, Echium bonariense, Among others.
Botanical characteristics of Echium plantagineum
Echium plantagineum is an annual or sometimes biennial herb, which can reach up to 1 meter in height (usually between 20 and 100 cm). It has erect or ascending stems, which may be simple or, more commonly, branched at the top.
Its appearance is rough and robust because the entire plant is covered with numerous hard hairs (trichomes or setae), which gives it a rough feel and excellent protection against herbivory. The lower leaves form a basal rosette; they are large, elliptical-ovate, dark green, and markedly petiolate (up to 35 cm long under optimal conditions). The stem leaves are progressively smaller, lanceolate, and sessile, often with an auriculate base.
Flowers are their main attraction: they have a funnel-shaped corolla, 2 to 3 cm long, with vibrant colors that vary from blue-violet to purple (although specimens with pink or white flowers may appear). Grouped in branched inflorescences (dense cymes), the flowers are hermaphroditic and stand out for their arrangement at the top of each stem. They have five stamens, of which two usually protrude outside the corolla; the purplish-toned filaments are provided with hairs, and the anthers are an intense blue color. The style is longer than the corolla and ends in a forked stigma.
Flowering extends from late winter to summer, especially between February and July depending on the region. Pollination is entomophilous, carried out mainly by bees, bumblebees, and hoverflies. The plant produces a dry, gray fruit (nutula), with pronounced keels and a tuberculate surface, about 2.5 to 3.5 mm long.
Natural habitat and ecology
The viper's bugloss is a nitrophilous and ruderal plant: It thrives especially in disturbed soils, abandoned crop fields, wastelands, pastures, banks, roadsides, slopes and ditches, from sea level to 1200 metres above sea level. Its natural and rural environments They are ideal for growth, although they can also be seen in places with more adverse conditions.
It is undemanding in terms of soil conditions, although it grows best in dry, light, well-drained soils rich in nutrients (especially nitrogen). It can grow in both acidic (pH from 4.5) and alkaline (up to 8) soils, but prefers neutral or slightly alkaline soils. Learn about the ideal plants for very dry climates.
Its invasive potential is high in countries where it has been introduced, such as Australia, where it dominates large areas of agricultural land and grasslands. Its seed dispersal occurs locally, primarily by wind, by adhesion to animals (on wool and fur), by water, or by contaminated agricultural machinery and hay.
Plant-animal relationship and ecological importance
Echium plantagineum is essential for pollinators like bees (Apis mellifera), hoverflies and bumblebees (Bombus), as its flowers are rich in nectar and pollen. Furthermore, it is a food resource for various arachnids and other auxiliary arthropods in agroecosystems, and is therefore valued in sustainable agricultural settings for its contribution to functional biodiversity. Visit our article to understand the importance of honey plants.
However, All parts of the plant contain toxic alkaloids, such as pyrrolizidines (e.g., equine), which act as a defense mechanism against herbivores. In grazing animals, excessive consumption can cause digestive discomfort (vomiting, diarrhea) and severe poisoning. Their toxicity and bitter taste often discourage consumption in livestock, although in situations of scarcity, they can cause significant problems.
Medicinal and phytochemical properties
Traditionally, Echium plantagineum has been used in folk medicine: Learn more about the medicinal properties of Echium vulgare.
- As an antidermatotic y Vulnerary, applying the pulverized plant in poultices to treat wounds, burns and skin conditions.
- Its leaves and flowers, once cooked, have been used as diuretics, astringentes, emollients, refreshing, sudorific y emmenagogues (regulators of menstruation).
- The juice of the plant is used in the cosmetic field, thanks to its omega-3 fatty acids natural (such as linoleic, linolenic and stearidonic acid), to hydrate, soothe and soften the skinIn this use, seed oil also provides benefits.
- The blue pollen of its flowers contains anthocyanins (delphinidin, cyanidin, petunidin, peonidin, malvidin...) and can contain up to 80 mg of anthocyanins per 100 g of pollen, making it of interest for phytochemical research.
However, internal use should be avoided in large quantities, given the potential toxicity of its alkaloids. Traditionally, it has been consumed in small quantities as a salad or wild vegetable, but this use is falling into disuse for health reasons.
Ornamental, culinary and other uses
- Ornamental: Thanks to its hardiness, low maintenance, and long flowering period, viper's bugloss is an excellent choice for wild gardens, rockeries, xeriscaping, and roadsides. Its resistance to pests, drought, and adverse climates makes it suitable for degraded areas and poor soils.
- Culinary: The young leaves have been used in salads and garnishes similar to borage, although caution is advised due to potential toxicity.
- Colorant: The root provides a deep red dye that is used in traditional fabric dyeing.
- Honey-bearing: It is one of the most valued species for beekeeping, as its nectar produces aromatic, high-quality honey, but it should be noted that during periods of prolonged drought, toxic compounds may appear in the honey.
- Cosmetics: The seed oil is used in moisturizers, anti-aging lotions, and dry skin products for its fatty acid content and emollient effect.
Care and cultivation of Echium plantagineum
- Light: It prefers full sun, although it tolerates partial shade. Its flowers and growth are most abundant under direct exposure.
- Temperature: It tolerates temperate and warm climates well, withstanding dry summers and tolerating moderate frosts. Mild temperatures are ideal.
- Ground: It requires loose, well-drained and moderately fertile soils, with a pH between 4.5 and 8. It tolerates stony, sandy, clayey or loamy soils and moderately dry conditions.
- Pruning and control: To prevent unwanted spread, pruning can be done after flowering before fruiting. In areas where it is considered invasive, it is advisable to control its spread by removing the plants before they have fully developed seeds.
- Irrigation: Drought-tolerant, but appreciates watering in between to maintain some moisture and avoid waterlogging. During the summer, watering can be more abundant, but excess water is generally dangerous due to the risk of root rot.
- Multiplication: It reproduces easily by seed, which germinates in autumn or spring. The plant can self-sow spontaneously if soil conditions permit.
Plagues and diseases
Echium plantagineum demonstrates great resistance It combats most common pests and diseases of garden plants, thanks to the action of its bioactive compounds (alkaloids, tannins, etc.). It rarely presents phytosanitary problems, except in prolonged conditions of excessive humidity (which can promote the growth of root fungi). Learn more about caring for hardy plants.
Considerations on toxicity and invasive potential
All parts of the plant contain toxic alkaloids for domestic animals and livestock, especially if consumed in large quantities. For humans, handling can cause sporadic skin irritations on sensitive skin. In regions outside its natural range, such as Australia or South America, it is classified as an invasive species and can compete with native species and reduce ecosystem biodiversity if not properly controlled.
In countries with extensive agricultural or livestock production, it is essential to monitor its spread, especially after crop abandonment or fires, to prevent it from displacing native grasses or forages of greater nutritional value.
With its striking blooms and great adaptability, Echium plantagineum serves as a natural ornamental, a biodiversity ally, and a beekeeping resource, but it can also pose a challenge if not managed properly. Its hardiness, ornamental appeal, and ecological value make it a unique species, relevant to gardeners, farmers, and naturalists.