Lycopsis arvensis L.
Bugloss
Bugloss (now often placed in Anchusa as A. arvensis) is a bristly annual of the borage family found on light, sandy soils.
About
Bugloss (now often placed in Anchusa as A. arvensis) is a bristly annual of the borage family found on light, sandy soils. The whole plant is roughly hairy, with wavy-edged, almost warty leaves, and it carries clusters of small, bright blue flowers whose narrow tube is characteristically kinked or curved to one side. Flowering runs from late spring through summer into autumn. Its British status is debated, treated as a native by some authorities and as an ancient introduction (archaeophyte) by others; either way it is a long-established part of our flora.
It is a plant of well-drained, usually sandy ground, turning up on arable margins, disturbed dunes, sandy heaths and waste places, often near the coast. Once a familiar cornfield flower, it has declined with modern farming. The nectar-rich blue flowers are valued by bees, making it a good component of sandy-soil arable and conservation seed mixes.
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.