Borage is an upright, robust herb instantly recognizable by its thick, hollow stems and large, oval leaves completely covered in stiff, prickly white hairs. The plant terminates in loose, drooping clusters of stunning, star-shaped flowers. These brilliant blossoms feature five intense, sky-blue petals surrounding a sharp, contrasting central cone of dark purple, almost black anthers.
Interesting Facts
Historically prized as a symbol of courage, Roman soldiers drank borage-infused wine before battle to banish fear, giving rise to the old adage, “I, borage, bring always courage.” In modern commercial agriculture, it is grown extensively as “starflower” to harvest its seeds, which contain the world’s highest known natural concentration of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a highly valued anti-inflammatory compound.
Importance to Wildlife
Living up to its traditional nickname “bee bread,” borage is one of the absolute finest insect-attracting plants in existence. Its brilliant blue flowers produce exceptional volumes of high-sugar nectar that replenishes remarkably fast, every two minutes. This creates a relentless, high-traffic feeding station for honeybees, bumblebees, and hoverflies, while its dense foliage offers superb low-level cover for predatory garden beetles.
Advice
Borage is mildly toxic if consumed continuously or in large amounts.