A bushy, bristly biennial, 60-90 cm (2-3 ft.) tall, with narrow lance-shaped leaves, spotted, hairy stems and dense spires of bell-shaped, violet-blue flowers in summer, opening from pinkish buds.
History and traditions
Early herbalists thought that the stems, speckled with pustules, looked like snakeskin, the fruits like snakes’ heads and the flower stamens like snakes’ tongues. So, in line with the medieval Doctrine of Signatures (whereby the appearance of a plant indicates what it can cure) E. vulgare was considered an antidote to the bite of an adder and by extension to anything else that was poisonous. In the words of William Coles, a most singular remedy against poison and the sting of scorpions” (The Art of Simpling). It was also widely dispensed against “swooning, sadness and melancholy” (Parkinson). A native of Europe, this attractive but invasive plant spread around the world, and became known as a tiresome weed in many countries, notably Australia and North America where it is known as “blue devil”.
Growth
Grows in any well-drained soil, in full sun. Propagated from seed sown in spring or early autumn.
Uses
Medicinal
Once widely respected as an antidote to poison, its medicinal properties are now doubtful.
Horticultural
Traditionally grown in herb gardens for its historical associations.
