Echium plantagineum, commonly known as purple viper’s-bugloss or Patterson’s curse, is a biennial or short-lived perennial herb native to open woodlands, grasslands, and disturbed sites in western and southern Europe, northern Africa, and southwestern Asia. It typically grows 8-24 inches tall and is characterized by its rough, hairy, lanceolate leaves that can reach up to 6 inches long. From late spring to early summer, it produces showy purple flowers on branched spikes, which are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators. The plant’s ability to produce a large amount of seed and its rapid growth rate contribute to its invasive potential in regions such as Australia, South Africa, and parts of the United States.

In cultivation, Echium plantagineum is valued for its vibrant purple flowers and its attractiveness to wildlife. It is sometimes used in wildflower mixes or for naturalistic plantings. However, due to its high pyrrolizidine alkaloid content, it is toxic to grazing livestock, particularly horses, and should not be planted where animals can access it. This plant prefers full sun to part shade, well-drained soils, and is drought-tolerant once established. Gardeners should be cautious about planting it due to its invasive nature and potential to outcompete native species.CC BY-SA 4.0