Seasonal Wild Flowers

Green Alkanet

Pentaglottis sempervirens

Boraginaceae

The main flowering season is March to July, but flowers can

be found throughout the year in mild winters.

It is found throughout the country.

See the BSBI distribution map for Green Alkanet

It is a neophyte introduced to English gardens in the 17th

century and known in the wild since the 1720s.

It is found in woodland, grassland, hedges, wasteland,

scrub and brownfield sites - in fact, pretty well everywhere,

both in shade and the open.

It is also grown in gardens, from which it escapes.

It is on the increase and can be invasive.

Green Alkanet is a perennial, variable herb growing

up to 1m.

The flowers are bright blue with white honeyguides.

They are approximately 1cm across and flat, except

for the raised centre.

Leaves are oval, tapering to a point and roughly hairy, as

are the stems.

It is spread by seed and it appears to be on the increase.

Green Alkanet in grassland

By the sea

Single flower

Pink, dark and light blue in flowerhead

Leaves