Purple Viper's-bugloss

Echium plantagineum

Echium plantagineum, commonly known as purple viper's-bugloss, Paterson's curse or Salvation Jane, is a species of the genus Echium native to western and southern Europe, northern Africa, and southwestern Asia. It has also been introduced to Australia, South Africa, and United States, where it is an invasive weed. Due to a high concentration of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, it is poisonous to grazing livestock, especially those with simple digestive systems, such as horses.

Scientific name

Echium plantagineum

Family

Boraginaceae