Common Name: Bugloss

General Information

Anchusa arvensis is an erect annual to biennial plant growing 10 - 50cm tall, with a robust stem tha can be branched or unbranched[, ].
The plant has potential for use as a medicine and cosmetic.
Anchusa arvensis is considered to be an invasive weed n parts of N. America.

Known Hazards

The rough hairs of Bugloss have irritant properties[].

Botanical References

Range

Europe - Norway to Spain, east to Russia, Ukraine and Greece; W. Asia - Armenia.

Habitat

Light, sandy and chalky soils in arable fields, sandy heaths and near the sea[]. Fields, kitchen gardens, wastelands, roadsides, etc[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Annual/Biennial
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a sunny position in a light to medium well-drained soil. Thrives on moderately moist sandy and gravelly soils with moderate to low calcium content[].
The flowers on the bugloss plants are noted for being attractive to a wide range of wildlife, particularly bees and other insects[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Bugloss can be useful for both cosmetic and medicinal uses although the medicinal uses have not yet been fully exploited and confirmed[]. It is thought that Anchusa arvensis can be used as a direct action anticoagulant, it is proven to show 90-95% inhibition of the transformation of fibrinogen to fibrin[].

Other Uses

Bugloss can be useful for both cosmetic and medicinal uses although the medicinal uses have not yet been fully exploited and confirmed[].

Propagation

Seed - sow in situ in the autumn or spring. If seed is in short supply, then sow it in spring in pots of sandy soil[]. An overnight drop in temperature helps germination[]. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 4 weeks at 21°c[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the late spring.