Viper's Bugloss

Description:

Aside from having the most awesome name for a wildflower ever, the viper's bugloss (also known as blueweed) is also a very striking plant. It grows on hairy upright stalks 30-60cm tall, with flowers that start pink and turn to a beautiful bright blue colour. The stamens are vibrant red, and the stigma has a forked end (I am assuming that's where the viper part of the name comes from). My wildflower book indicates that this is a rare plant in the UK, though it is locally abundant where I live. It's biennial, which explains why I don't see it every year. Flowers May through to September.

Habitat:

Prefers bare, wasted areas with chalky, well-drained soil. I only find it in the wet meadow in Colchester, no where else.

Notes:

As they are biennial, I don't see these in great numbers every year. Last year, there were only a few plants scattered around the meadow. This year, there are great carpets of them!