Search Plants
Try for Free
English
About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Viper's-buglosses (Echium)
Viper's-buglosses are flowering herbs related to borage. They are indigenous to the Mediterranean and North Africa and enjoy warmer climates. In gardens, they are enjoyed for their fragrant flowers which are popular with pollinators. The Latin name comes from the word 'echis', meaning 'viper'.
Lifespan
Biennial
Key Facts About Viper's-buglosses
Feedback
Attributes of Viper's-buglosses
Leaf type
Evergreen
Scientific Classification of Viper's-buglosses
Distribution of Viper's-buglosses
Feedback
Distribution Map of Viper's-buglosses
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Viper's-buglosses
Feedback
The viper's-buglosses genus, hailed for its vivid blossoms, demands basic care. Lightly dappled sun fosters growth, and well-draining soil ensures adequate water access without risking root rot. Moderate temperatures suit viper's-buglosses best, avoiding extreme heat or frost. Common challenges involve combating pests such as aphids and diseases like mildews. Seasonally, viper's-buglosses demand greater vigilance in winter, requiring frost protection, while the warm summer months stimulate flowering. Spring is optimum for planting, and in fall, they typically prepare for dormancy.
How to Water Viper's-buglosses?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Viper's-buglosses?
How to Propagate Viper's-buglosses?
How to Plant Viper's-buglosses?
Exploring the Viper's-buglosses Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Viper's bugloss
Viper's bugloss (Echium vulgare) is a member of the borage family and attracts honeybees. Once established, this pretty blue wildflower is easy to grow. However, it can become invasive. This species has a deep taproot which makes it difficult to transplant and difficult to eradicate.
Pride of madeira
Pride of madeira, also known as Echium candicans, is a flowering perennial herbaceous shrub native to the island of Madeira. Pride of madeira is considered an invasive species in California, New Zealand, and Australia. It is a popular ornamental plant in many places around the world for its drought tolerance and ability to attract bees.
Purple viper's bugloss
Purple viper's bugloss (Echium plantagineum) is native to parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, but it has also been naturalized in Australia and the Americas, where it is sometimes considered a noxious weed. The plant produces vibrant bluish-purple flowers that are an important early nectar source for bees; however, purple viper's bugloss is highly poisonous to grazing livestock, particularly horses.
Giant viper's-bugloss
Giant viper's-bugloss (Echium pininana) is a perennial with countless sky blue or lavender flowers. This low-maintenance, drought-tolerant shrub's visual appeal has a resemblance to missiles preparing to shoot, which adds an aesthetically pleasing impact to the landscape.
Tower of jewels
Endemic to the Canary Islands, the tower of jewels is a striking biennial plant that produces tall flower stalks in the second year of growth. Once the plant sets flowers, it dies. The botanical name Echium wildpretii comes from the name of the 19th-century Swiss botanist Hermann Josef Wildpret.
Cretan viper's bugloss
Echium creticum is an upright, biennial plant that produces a single to several flower-bearing stems. It reaches stature heights of 25 to 90 cm. The stem has a twofold hair of stiff, protruding, thickened at the bottom bristles and many short-fitting hair.
Italian vipersbugloss
Italian vipersbugloss belongs to a family of highly toxic plants, so caution is advised when coming into contact with this plant. The species within this family are, however, adored by bees due to their nectar-rich flowers. Italian vipersbugloss puts on a dramatic display with its large and hairy leaves.
Small-flowered bugloss
Small-flowered bugloss is characterized by small, vibrant blue to violet flowers perched atop slender, branching stems. Typically found in dry, open spaces, it adapts well to sunny environments, with its narrow leaves efficiently conserving water. Its striking inflorescence attracts pollinators, ensuring its survival in competitive Mediterranean ecosystems. Fuzzy hairs on the leaves and stems offer further drought resistance, underscoring small-flowered bugloss's resilience.
All Species of Viper's-buglosses
Viper's bugloss
Viper's bugloss
Viper's bugloss (Echium vulgare) is a member of the borage family and attracts honeybees. Once established, this pretty blue wildflower is easy to grow. However, it can become invasive. This species has a deep taproot which makes it difficult to transplant and difficult to eradicate.
Pride of madeira
Pride of madeira
Pride of madeira, also known as Echium candicans, is a flowering perennial herbaceous shrub native to the island of Madeira. Pride of madeira is considered an invasive species in California, New Zealand, and Australia. It is a popular ornamental plant in many places around the world for its drought tolerance and ability to attract bees.
Purple viper's bugloss
Purple viper's bugloss
Purple viper's bugloss (Echium plantagineum) is native to parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, but it has also been naturalized in Australia and the Americas, where it is sometimes considered a noxious weed. The plant produces vibrant bluish-purple flowers that are an important early nectar source for bees; however, purple viper's bugloss is highly poisonous to grazing livestock, particularly horses.
Giant viper's-bugloss
Giant viper's-bugloss
Giant viper's-bugloss (Echium pininana) is a perennial with countless sky blue or lavender flowers. This low-maintenance, drought-tolerant shrub's visual appeal has a resemblance to missiles preparing to shoot, which adds an aesthetically pleasing impact to the landscape.
Tower of jewels
Tower of jewels
Endemic to the Canary Islands, the tower of jewels is a striking biennial plant that produces tall flower stalks in the second year of growth. Once the plant sets flowers, it dies. The botanical name Echium wildpretii comes from the name of the 19th-century Swiss botanist Hermann Josef Wildpret.
Cretan viper's bugloss
Cretan viper's bugloss
Echium creticum is an upright, biennial plant that produces a single to several flower-bearing stems. It reaches stature heights of 25 to 90 cm. The stem has a twofold hair of stiff, protruding, thickened at the bottom bristles and many short-fitting hair.
Italian vipersbugloss
Italian vipersbugloss
Italian vipersbugloss belongs to a family of highly toxic plants, so caution is advised when coming into contact with this plant. The species within this family are, however, adored by bees due to their nectar-rich flowers. Italian vipersbugloss puts on a dramatic display with its large and hairy leaves.
Small-flowered bugloss
Small-flowered bugloss
Small-flowered bugloss is characterized by small, vibrant blue to violet flowers perched atop slender, branching stems. Typically found in dry, open spaces, it adapts well to sunny environments, with its narrow leaves efficiently conserving water. Its striking inflorescence attracts pollinators, ensuring its survival in competitive Mediterranean ecosystems. Fuzzy hairs on the leaves and stems offer further drought resistance, underscoring small-flowered bugloss's resilience.
Echium tuberculatum
Echium tuberculatum
Echium tuberculatum (viperina) is a flowering plant from Portugal. This plant is a hardy garden perennial and it forms a sprawling mass of red flowers during the whole of the summer.It will self-seed readily around.
Lax viper's bugloss
Lax viper's bugloss
Lax viper's bugloss typically forms a low-growing rosette of hairy, lance-shaped leaves, leading to flower spikes donning violet-blue blooms. This drought-tolerant species thrives in rocky, arid environments, its deep roots anchoring it firmly while seeking moisture. The striking contrast between its flowers and the gray-green foliage attracts pollinators, ensuring survival in its harsh native habitat.
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants and unlimited guides at your fingertips...
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Botanist in your pocket
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app
About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Viper's-buglosses
Echium
Viper's-buglosses are flowering herbs related to borage. They are indigenous to the Mediterranean and North Africa and enjoy warmer climates. In gardens, they are enjoyed for their fragrant flowers which are popular with pollinators. The Latin name comes from the word 'echis', meaning 'viper'.
Lifespan
Biennial
Key Facts About Viper's-buglosses
Feedback
Attributes of Viper's-buglosses
Leaf type
Evergreen
Scientific Classification of Viper's-buglosses
Distribution of Viper's-buglosses
Feedback
Distribution Map of Viper's-buglosses
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Viper's-buglosses
Feedback
The viper's-buglosses genus, hailed for its vivid blossoms, demands basic care. Lightly dappled sun fosters growth, and well-draining soil ensures adequate water access without risking root rot. Moderate temperatures suit viper's-buglosses best, avoiding extreme heat or frost. Common challenges involve combating pests such as aphids and diseases like mildews. Seasonally, viper's-buglosses demand greater vigilance in winter, requiring frost protection, while the warm summer months stimulate flowering. Spring is optimum for planting, and in fall, they typically prepare for dormancy.
How to Water Viper's-buglosses?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Viper's-buglosses?
How to Propagate Viper's-buglosses?
How to Plant Viper's-buglosses?
Exploring the Viper's-buglosses Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Viper's bugloss
Viper's bugloss (Echium vulgare) is a member of the borage family and attracts honeybees. Once established, this pretty blue wildflower is easy to grow. However, it can become invasive. This species has a deep taproot which makes it difficult to transplant and difficult to eradicate.
Pride of madeira
Pride of madeira, also known as Echium candicans, is a flowering perennial herbaceous shrub native to the island of Madeira. Pride of madeira is considered an invasive species in California, New Zealand, and Australia. It is a popular ornamental plant in many places around the world for its drought tolerance and ability to attract bees.
Purple viper's bugloss
Purple viper's bugloss (Echium plantagineum) is native to parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, but it has also been naturalized in Australia and the Americas, where it is sometimes considered a noxious weed. The plant produces vibrant bluish-purple flowers that are an important early nectar source for bees; however, purple viper's bugloss is highly poisonous to grazing livestock, particularly horses.
Giant viper's-bugloss
Giant viper's-bugloss (Echium pininana) is a perennial with countless sky blue or lavender flowers. This low-maintenance, drought-tolerant shrub's visual appeal has a resemblance to missiles preparing to shoot, which adds an aesthetically pleasing impact to the landscape.
Show More Species
All Species of Viper's-buglosses
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
