Echium vulgare Viper's-bugloss

A very attractive, bristly biennial which produces spires of eye-catching violet-blue (occasionally pale or white) flowers which are visted by lots of pollinators, particularly bees. It grows in well-drained, open or disturbed habitats such as dunes, waste places and roadsides. Sometimes it occurs in very large numbers making a spectacular sight. It is widespread in much of  the lowlands of Britain, including Wales where it is predominantly a coastal species of sand dunes, shingle, coastal cliffs and open mosaic sites near the sea. While most populations are undoubtedly native it may also be introduced via wild flowers seed mixtures. Its distribution in West Glamorgan is largely coastal but it is occasionally recorded inland in habitats like coal tips and disturbed raodsides and waste places. There are large populations in coastal areas of Neath Port Tabot, particularly in open mosaic habitats in the vicinity of Baglan Dunes. The red-flecked stems have a superficial resemblance to snakeskin and in keeping with the popular medieval 'doctrine of signatures' philosophy its roots were used to treat adder bites, hence the common name, Viper's Bugloss. There is little or no evidence to support the efficacy of such treatment although Echium species have a long history in traditional folk medicine. It contains a number of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, quinones and alkaloids. some of which have anti-oxidant properties Most parts of the plant contain toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids which make it poisonous to horses and other livestock.

Native (some populations may be neophyte in origin)