About
Cynoglossum nervosum is a species in the genus Cynoglossum (family Boraginaceae), part of a group of small-flowered plants. The genus has a wide native distribution across Eurasia, Africa, New Guinea and Australia. In the UK Cynoglossum nervosum flowers from June to August. Attention to seedheads is sensible because some Cynoglossum species produce burs and contain compounds toxic to grazing animals.
About the genus
Cynoglossum is a genus of small-flowered plants in the family Boraginaceae. It includes 81 species native to Eurasia, Africa, New Guinea, and Australia.
Wikipedia contributors, "Cynoglossum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cynoglossum
In the garden
Cynoglossum nervosum belongs to the borage family, a genus characterised by relatively small flowers and a broad native range spanning Eurasia, Africa, New Guinea and Australia. Records for the genus indicate a mix of ecological habits, so provenance and species-level references should guide site selection for C. nervosum. In the UK it comes into flower between June and August, providing midsummer interest within a narrow seasonal window. Requirements vary across Cynoglossum species; if growing C. nervosum, confirm its provenance and follow any specialist guidance available for that stock. Within the genus some species form burs that cling to wool and other materials and others contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can be toxic to livestock, so avoid planting where grazing animals will have access and check seedheads after flowering. Remove or deadhead spent flower heads if you wish to limit self-seeding and reduce the risk of burrs spreading. Use C. nervosum in areas where small-flowered summer interest is needed and where its seedheads can be managed after August. Consulting regional herbarium or specialist publications will give the most reliable cultivation details for this specific Cynoglossum.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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