Echium vulgare (Viper's bugloss)

Contains gamma-linolenic acid and the juice has been used as an emollient to treat rough, reddened skin. A red dye for fabrics has been extracted from the root, and the flowering tips used in poultices for treating boils and whitlows. Also contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, many of which are toxic. Plant with tall flower spikes of florets of blue and pink; hairy stems, lanceolate leaves.