Viper's Bugloss
Echium vulgare
Overview
Viper's Bugloss is one of the showiest plants of the Sefton Coast dunes. Tall spires of intense blue-violet flowers cover the plant from June to September and attract an extraordinary variety of bees and hoverflies — on a sunny day in July, a good Bugloss patch will be buzzing. The red stamens contrast beautifully with the blue petals. A biennial, growing as a rosette in year one and flowering in year two.
At a Glance
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Habitat | Open dune grassland · Sandy disturbed ground · Dune edge |
| UK population | Locally common on sandy, calcareous soils in England |
| Sefton Coast | Locally common on open dune grassland at Ainsdale and Formby; numbers vary year to year |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Open sandy ground and dune grassland at Ainsdale and Formby. A spectacular insect plant.
Identification
Tall, to 90cm. Stiff, bristly, spotted stem. Brilliant blue-violet tubular flowers with red stamens. Rosette of rough leaves in first year.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Visit open dune grassland at Ainsdale in July. Covered in bees — great for insect photography too. The blue is visible from some distance.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Sefton Coast biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Viper's Bugloss so good for bees?
Viper's Bugloss is one of the top nectar-producing plants in Britain — research suggests it produces more nectar per flower than almost any other native plant. The tubular blue flowers are accessible to long-tongued bumblebees and other pollinators, and the extended flowering period from June to September makes it a vital resource for late-season insects on the Sefton dunes.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.