Borago officinalis
Record ID:28Naming |
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|---|---|
| Botanical Name: | Borago officinalis |
| Common Names: | Borage, Starflower, Cool Tankard, Borrache |
| Key Name: | Borage |
| Parts Used: | Leaves, flowers, seeds |
| Sister Plants: | Borago pygmaea, Echium vulgare, Symphytum officinale |
| Comments: | Annual herb, one of the best forage plants, producing nectar throughout its flowering season; supports pollinators |
Characteristics |
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| Identifying Character: | Annual herb (1-2 ft), erect bristly stem, broad oval leaves with bristly hairs, star-shaped blue flowers (1 in) with black anthers, blooming May-September |
| Stem: | Erect, 1-2 ft, bristly, green |
| Leaves: | Broad, oval, 2-6 inches, bristly, dark green |
| Flowers: | Star-shaped, blue, 1 in diameter, with black anthers, in clusters, blooming May-September |
| Fruit: | Small, black nutlets, 2-3 mm |
| Taste: | Cucumber-like (leaves), mild (flowers) |
| Odour: | Mild, fresh scent from leaves and flowers |
| Root: | Taproot, supports annual growth |
| Image: |
Image URL: https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse4.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.1EXYoOSI-C2YgeUuwF3YzAHaFj%26pid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=c93562142a478c67321e259c73ead0178aae5305d7c2a5dd45fdf036fda5bdab&ipo=images |
Distribution |
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| Distribution: | Native to the Mediterranean, naturalized in Europe, North America, and elsewhere |
| Cultivation: | Self-seeding annual; plant in full sun, well-drained soil; sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in spring; space 12-18 inches apart; water moderately |
| Harvest: | Leaves/Flowers: May-September; Seeds: Late summer |
Medical |
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| Therapeutic Action: | Diaphoretic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, emollient |
| Medical Uses: | Used for respiratory issues, fever, urinary complaints, inflammation, and as a mild diuretic; leaves for poultices, seeds for oil (GLA content) |
| Constituents: | Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), mucilage, tannins, potassium, calcium |
| Solvents: | Water, oil (seed extraction), alcohol (tincture) |
| Dosage: | Infusion: 1 tsp dried leaves/flowers in hot water, 1-2 times daily; Oil: 1-2 tsp seeds daily |
| Administration: | Internal: Infusion or seed oil; External: Poultice |
| Formulas: | |
| Contra Indications: | May cause allergic reactions; avoid excessive use; consult healthcare provider, especially during pregnancy |
| Preparation: | Infusion: Steep 1 tsp dried leaves/flowers in hot water 10 min; Oil: Cold-press seeds |
| Chinese: | No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine |
| Veterinary: | Used for skin irritations or mild digestive support in livestock |
| Homeopathic: | No known homeopathic use documented |
Pollination and Pollinators |
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| Apis: | No |
| Pollinator: | 1 |
| Pollen: | Yes |
| Pollen Notes: | Pollen attracts bees, some self-pollination |
| Nectar: | Yes |
| Nectar Notes: | Nectar-rich, attracts bees and hoverflies throughout flowering season |
Other |
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| Non-Medical Uses: | Ornamental, bee forage, cosmetic uses |
| Culinary Uses: | Young leaves in salads, flowers as garnish or in drinks |
| History: | Used in Mediterranean and European herbal traditions since ancient times; valued for cooling properties |
| Reference: | Plants For A Future; USDA NRCS |
| URL: | https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Borago+officinalis |
| Share: | Private |