common borage USDA PLANTS Symbol: BOOF
U.S. Nativity: Exotic
Habit: Forbs/Herbs
Borago officinalis L.
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Taxonomic Rank: Magnoliopsida: Lamiales: Boraginaceae
Synonym(s): borago
Appearance
Borago officinalis is an annual herb that is native Syria it can grow up to 2 to 4ft. (60-100 cm) tall.
Foliage
Stems and leaves are pilose; the leaves are alternate, simple, and 2 to 6 in. (5-15 cm) long.
Flowers
The flowers have five narrow, triangular-pointed petals. Flowers are most often blue in color, although pink flowers are sometimes observed. White flowered types are also cultivated. In certain areas, flowering will occur all throughout the year but mainly occur June to August.
Fruit
The seeds are 0.2 in. (0.5 cm) long. The oil from the seed is used in medicine, repel insects and wine coloring.
Ecological Threat
Borago officinalis can be found in ditches, roadsides and in fields. It over takes native plants habitats. The Borage seeds contain small amounts of the liver toxins. Minor side effects from borage oil can include bloating and headaches.
Selected Images from Invasive.orgView All Images at Invasive.org


Plant(s);
Joseph M. DiTomaso, University of California - Davis, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Flower(s);
Dow Gardens , Dow Gardens, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
EDDMapS Distribution:
This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts and records obtained from USDA Plants Database. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org 		 


State List
This map identifies those states that list this species on their invasive species list or law.

Invasive Listing Sources: