Echium vulgare - Vipers Bugloss 2g

Viper’s Bugloss: M, N, P, B, **, Jul-Oct

NATIVE BIENNIAL WILDFLOWER growing to 0.9 m (3ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in). Needs free-draining soil. It is drought tolerant. Hardy to zone 4. It is in flower from July to October. Requires reasonably open grassland or disturbed soil to self-seed. The most unusual feature of this plant is its protection of nectar inside the flower from vaporisation when it is hot or from flushing away when it rains. Therefore it is why for almost this plant is a stable source of nectar for bees. It also produces nectar throughout the day, unlike most plants that just produce it for short part of the day. Can produce 300 – 1,000 pounds of honey per acre, and 500 – 2000 pounds of dark blue pollen. Medicinally has been used to relive skin conditions and treat snake bites. The flowers are pollinated by Bees, flies, lepidoptera. Produces POLLEN & NECTAR – a major source for honeybees and a PRIMARY source for Bumblebees. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife SEEDS 2g/£1.55