• Home
• Wild plants
• Plant & fungi species
• Viper's-bugloss

Viper’s-bugloss

(Echium vulgare)

A flamboyant plant of dry banks and dunes in, the viper's-bugloss seems to belong to a hot far-away country. With rough, blue petals and red stamens that flick like tongues, its hard not to think this plant's snake-like appearance contributed to its name. In fact, it was once used as an anti-venom for bites from the spotted viper.

Distribution

Viper's-bugloss loves chalky soils so thrives amongst the white cliffs of south-east of England. It can be found sporadically throughout the coasts of England and Wales. However it's missing from most of north and northwest Scotland and only occurs on the east coast of Ireland.

Habitat

Dry grassland, banks and dunes.

Best time to see

Flowers June-August.

Did you know...

Also known as 'snake flower' and 'blue devil'.

Despite its demonic appearance, viper's-bugloss is loved by insects of all kinds - especially butterflies, bees and hoverflies. The Painted Lady butterfly is particularly fond of it. However, this plant can irritate the skin. So best keep your hands off and avoid the snake flower's bite!

County flower of East Lothian/Haddintonshire.