description Echium Overview
Echium is a genus of roughly 70 flowering plant species in the family Boraginaceae, native to parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia. Species may be annuals, biennials, or perennials and often bear dense spikes or coiled clusters of flowers. Viper's bugloss, Echium vulgare, is a familiar example with blue to purple flowers. Echiums are grown as ornamental and pollinator plants, although some species can naturalize beyond their native ranges.
help Echium FAQ
What kind of plant is Echium?
Echium is a genus in the Boraginaceae family, also known as the borage family. It contains roughly 70 species, including annuals, biennials, and perennials from parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia.
What does Echium vulgare look like?
Echium vulgare, commonly called viper's bugloss, produces bristly foliage and spikes of blue to purplish flowers. It is one of the best-known species in the Echium genus.
Does Echium attract pollinators?
Many Echium species produce nectar-rich flowers that attract bees and other insects. Large species such as Echium pininana are also valued by gardeners for their tall flowering spikes.
Is Echium annual or perennial?
The genus includes all three life-cycle types: annuals, biennials, and perennials. The answer depends on the species, so Echium vulgare should not be treated as representative of every Echium plant.
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