Origins

 

Origins

I have little idea of the origins of some of the plants in our garden. For example, we have masses of violets and I’m quite sure I’ve never introduced them. Certainly, I have transplanted some over the years and I’m always delighted to see them. They self-seed so they’re popping up all over the place now, which pleases me no end.

I had noticed some green leaves in a flowerpot, but didn’t pay them much attention until I realised they were producing flower buds. This provoked me into closer inspection. 

Using my iPhone app, ‘PictureThis,’ I discovered that the stranger was green alkanet (Pentaglottis sempervirens) a perennial which can sometimes become a nuisance, though it does provide good ground cover.  

The flowers are blue with white centres and are sometimes confused with forget-me-nots, though the plant stems are covered in bristly hairs and the leaves are also hairy, unlike forget-me-nots.

Green alkanet is a rich provider of pollen and nectar for bees, butterflies and hoverflies, flowering throughout the summer. Its leaves give food for the day-flying Scarlet tiger moth (Callimorpha dominula) and shelter for invertebrates at soil level.

                        Scarlet tiger moth (Callimorpha dominula)

Scarlet tiger moth images courtesy Wikimedia Commons

It used to be considered edible, although it did not taste very pleasant. Its pretty flowers were used as garnish for many dishes. However, latterly it has been discovered to contain carcinogens. In addition, the bristles can cause skin rashes, so it’s advisable to wear gloves when handling it.

Green alkanet is not native to Britain and has its origins in Spain, France, and Portugal. It was first brought to Britain around 1700, as an ornamental garden plant and was available for sale in plant nurseries. Inevitably, by 1724 it had escaped and quickly established itself in grass verges and hedgerows. It is common in southern England.