Anchusa

Anchusa is a genus of plants in the Boraginaceae family, commonly known as bugloss or alkanet. These plants are typically weedy and bristly, featuring small flowers that resemble forget-me-nots. They have hairy stems and toothed leaves with spiny margins, often growing in sandy areas and fields across Europe and parts of North America.123

Several species are cultivated as ornamentals. Anchusa officinalis, or common bugloss, has purple flowers, while A. azurea, or Italian bugloss, is a garden favorite with large, bright-blue flowers. The genus also includes plants like viper's bugloss (Echium vulgare), known for its striking blue flowers.13