Echium pininana
Family: Boraginaceae
Common names: GIANT VIPER'S BUGLOSS, PINE ECHIUM, TREE ECHIUM
Native to: Canary Islands
Plant
Type: perennial
Forms: erect, rosette
Max height: 13 feet
Max width: 3.3 feet
Flower
blue/green, pink
Leaf
green
Horticulture
Attracts wildlife: adult butterfly, specific butterfly species
Plant features: invasive, self-sows
Exposure: sun
Invasive
Propagates by: seed
flowers in spring
Soil types: well drained, wide range
USDA Zones: zone 9 to +20 f, zone 10 to +30 f
Temp. range: +20 to +40 °F
Water: dry, moderate
Butterflies that feed on this plant
There are 95 species of Echium, a member of the Boraginaceae family.
Echium pininana, also called GIANT VIPER'S BUGLOSS, is a cultivated perennial that grows from seed in Zones 9-10. It grows to 13 feet tall, in dry to moderate watering conditions. It flowers in spring. The height is produced by its massive inflorescence that truly makes quite a stunning display. This one is not known to be frost hardy and does prefer full sun. It may not flower the first year so trying to grow it as an annual may not work out so well.
Plants in the Boraginaceae family will attract Euphydryas chalcedona, CHALCEDON CHECKERSPOT, to feed. As with other Echiums, this plant has made the invasive list. There are other plants that will feed bees and CHALCEDON CHECKERSPOT.
