Borago officinalis: Starflower
Wednesday, January 2nd, 2008
BORAGE
Borago officinalis is also known as starflower and is an annual herb. Borage (Borago officinalis L.) originates from Syria, but naturalized throughout the Mediterranean region, as well as most of Europe, North Africa, and Iran. It grows to a height of 60-100 cm (2-3 feet), and is bristly or hairy all over the stems and leaves; the leaves are alternate, simple, and 5-15 cm (2-6 in) long. Borage’s flowers are small and normally blue, although they may be pink or white, with five narrow, triangular-pointed petals. It has an indeterminate growth habit allowing it to produce many seeds which may lead to prolific spreading. In milder climates, borage will bloom continuously for most of the year.