common borage
(Borago officinalis L.)

Overview

Appearance

Borago officinalis is an annual herb that is native Syria it can grow up to 2 to 4ft. (60-100 cm) tall.

Foliage

Stems and leaves are pilose; the leaves are alternate, simple, and 2 to 6 in. (5-15 cm) long.

Flowers

The flowers have five narrow, triangular-pointed petals. Flowers are most often blue in color, although pink flowers are sometimes observed. White flowered types are also cultivated. In certain areas, flowering will occur all throughout the year but mainly occur June to August.

Fruit

The seeds are 0.2 in. (0.5 cm) long. The oil from the seed is used in medicine, repel insects and wine coloring.

Ecological Threat

Borago officinalis can be found in ditches, roadsides and in fields. It over takes native plants habitats. The Borage seeds contain small amounts of the liver toxins. Minor side effects from borage oil can include bloating and headaches.

Selected Images

Maps

Invasive Listing Sources

No reference that we have lists this species as invasive in North America. This species is included for comparison to other species that are considered invasive.

References