Viper's Bugloss, Echium vulgare

Discussion in 'Outdoor Gardening in the Pacific Northwest' started by WesternWilson, Mar 25, 2013.

  1. WesternWilson

    WesternWilson Active Member 10 Years

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    Tsawwassen, BC, Canada
    Has anyone seen plants in this family (some of which are not the invasive weed species) in local garden centres??? I am sure I have in the past but am coming up empty at this point. I want some to sow for bee forage!
     
  2. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    I'd think it is a high risk of becoming an invasive species on sandy soils in BC. Wouldn't it be better to use local native species to attract bees anyway?
     
  3. WesternWilson

    WesternWilson Active Member 10 Years

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    There are lots of Echium subspecies including (from what I understand) relatively harmless garden varieties as opposed to the ones classed as invasives. I use locals when I can but honeybees are not locals themselves, and benefit from having available a wide range of pollen sources. In addition not all native species play nice in gardens and fields themselves!
     

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