Pentaglottis

Description

Pentaglottis is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the family Boraginaceae. It is native to Europe and Asia, but has also been introduced to other parts of the world. The genus name is derived from the Greek words “penta” meaning five, and “glotta” meaning tongue, referring to the five-lobed corolla of the flower.The most well-known species of Pentaglottis is Pentaglottis sempervirens, also known as green alkanet or evergreen bugloss. This species is a perennial herb that can grow up to 1 meter tall. It has hairy leaves that are dark green, and clusters of small blue flowers that bloom from April to June.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Pentaglottis plants have broad, hairy leaves that are green in color. The leaves grow in a rosette pattern at the base of the plant, and become smaller as they grow up the stem. The stem of the plant is also hairy and can be up to 1 meter tall. The flowers of the Pentaglottis plant are small and blue, and grow in clusters at the end of the stem. The flower corolla is five-lobed and has a diameter of about 10 mm.

Care Guide

Water

Pentaglottis plants prefer moist soil, but can tolerate dry conditions. Watering should be done regularly, especially during the growing season.

Fertilization

Fertilization is not necessary for Pentaglottis plants, but adding compost to the soil can improve growth.

Soil

Pentaglottis plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.5.

Sunlight

Pentaglottis plants prefer partial shade or full sun. In hot climates, they may need protection from the afternoon sun.

Hardiness Zones

Pentaglottis plants can grow in hardiness zones 5-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Pentaglottis plants are generally not susceptible to pests or diseases. However, they may be affected by powdery mildew, root rot, or spider mites.

Habitat

Pentaglottis plants are native to Europe and Asia, and can be found in meadows, woodland edges, and along roadsides. They prefer moist soils and can grow in both sun and shade.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Pentaglottis sempervirens toxic?

A: Yes, the plant is toxic if ingested and can cause skin irritation.

Q: How often should I water my Pentaglottis plant?

A: Water your Pentaglottis plant regularly, especially during the growing season. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.

Q: Can I grow Pentaglottis in a container?

A: Yes, Pentaglottis can be grown in a container as long as the soil is well-draining and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s roots.

Q: How tall can Pentaglottis sempervirens grow?

A: Pentaglottis sempervirens can grow up to 1 meter tall.

Related Plants

• Buglossoides arvensis
• Borago officinalis
• Cynoglossum officinale
• Myosotis sylvatica

References

• “Pentaglottis.” World Flora Online. Accessed 22 Aug 2021. https://wfo.org/.
• “Pentaglottis sempervirens.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 22 Aug 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/.
• “Pentaglottis.” Flora of North America. Accessed 22 Aug 2021. http://www.efloras.org/.