Common bugloss is a vigorous biennial in the Boraginaceae (borage) family native to South Africa. The genus Anchusa is from the Greek word anchousa , which makes reference to its use as a dye base for cosmetic paint obtained from the roots of another plant in the genus Anchusa . The species capensis translates to ‘from the Cape’ referring to South Africa. The erect stems grow 1 to 2 feet tall and are used as an annual adding knock-out blue color to any landscape. New growth on the stems is a bright red adding interest to the plant along with the bright blue flowers that appear from early to late summer. Beneficial insects like butterflies and bees visit the flowers for nectar. It tolerates hot sites with, poor dry soil but does best in rich moist soil with good drainage. Prefers full sun but tolerates part shade. Fertilize it lightly or leaf growth is encouraged at the expense of blooms. The coarse bright green foliage can be sheared back about 3 inches after each flowering cycle to encourage a second bloom, though use caution as the rough leaves can irritate the skin. It self-sows in mild winter areas and can become quite weedy. Use in containers or pollinator gardens. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Very few pests or diseases. In some areas of the county it is invasive or on watch lists.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage
Available space
Less than 12 inches
Mature size
Height: 0 ft. 8 in. - 1 ft. 6 in. | Width: 0 ft. 10 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Rapid
Maintenance
High
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (1-3 ft)
Form & Appearance
Texture
Coarse
Foliage
Deciduous
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Linear; Oblanceolate
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf feel
Rough
Leaf value
Edible
Hairs present
Yes
Leaf detail
Sand papery basal green leaves can be eaten like spinach.
Flower color
Blue; Gold/Yellow
Flower value
Edible; Showy
Flower form
Cyme
Flower detail
Red buds open to small very showy blue flowers which appear on the top half of 18" tall stalks in cymes from early summer to late summer. Flowers have 5, bright blue petals and 5, feathery white scales in the center, protecting the stigma and anthers.
Bloom time
Summer
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit detail
Fruit is a schizocarp, splitting into chambers containing a single seed each
Stem color
Green; Red/Burgundy
Stem detail
Thick at the bottom thining toward the tips, new growth often a striking red.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
Origin
South Africa
Wildlife value
Nectar attracts bees, butterflies and other insect pollinators.
Attracts
Butterflies; Pollinators; Specialized Bees
Food & Medicine
Edible parts
Leaves; Flowers
Fruit type
Capsule
Edibility
Flowers can be added to salads and leaves are also edible.
Uses (ethnobotany)
The flowers have been used for dyes or medicinally for inflammation, ulcers, and abrasions.