Echium vulgare L.
Viper's bugloss
Viper's bugloss, also known as blueweed, is a biennial or monocarpic perennial plant that grows to 30–80 cm (12–31 in) tall. It has rough, hairy, oblanceolate leaves and red-flecked stems that resemble snake's skin. The flowers start pink and turn vivid blue, with all the stamens protruding. The plant is known for its toxic effects on horses and cattle due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
Details
Boraginales
Boraginaceae
Echium
The plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are toxic to horses and cattle. These alkaloids accumulate in the liver and can be harmful if ingested.
The root of viper's bugloss was traditionally used as a treatment for snake or viper bites. It is also cultivated as an ornamental plant, with several cultivars developed for horticultural purposes.
May to September
30–80 cm (12–31 in)
Pink to vivid blue
It is found in dry, calcareous grassland and heaths, bare and waste places, along railways and roadsides, and on coastal cliffs, sand dunes, and shingle.
Info
Pannon Flora Ltd. was founded on December 13, 1999, by Gábor Janik, who retains 95% ownership. Janik holds an MSc in Horticulture from the University of Horticultural Sciences (1986) and an Advanced Professional English Certification from the College of International Trade (1990). The company specializes in bird feed production and export, primarily serving markets in Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK, alongside cultivating and distributing imported/exported horticultural seeds. It maintains exclusive partnerships with JOEUN Seed (South Korea) and Takii Europe (Japan), a leader in professional seed breeding and production. Pannon Flora collaborates with certification bodies such as NÉBIH (National Food Chain Safety Office), MERT Kontroll, and SGS Hungary to ensure compliance and quality. The company works with approximately 400 Hungarian growers, ranging from small-scale producers (under 5 hectares) to mid-sized farms and large-scale agricultural enterprises. This profile emphasizes agribusiness expertise, technical partnerships, and operational scalability tailored to international client needs.
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