Borage (/ˈbʌrɪdʒ/ ( listen) or /ˈbɒrɪdʒ/; Borago officinalis), also known as starflower, is an annual herb in the flowering plant family Boraginaceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region, and has naturalized in many other locales.
| Borage | |
|---|---|
| Genus: | Borago |
| Species: | B. officinalis |
| Binomial name | |
| Borago officinalis L. |
Is borage poisonous?
Although it has been suggested as an alternative source of GLA to evening primrose oil, borage seed oil can have toxic effects on the liver. Its chronic use should be avoided, especially by patients with liver disease or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
What is the borage family?
any member of the plant family Boraginaceae, typified by herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees having simple, alternate, hairy leaves and usually blue, five-lobed flowers in a cluster that uncoils as they bloom, including borage, bugloss, and forget-me-not.
Can borage be planted next to tomatoes?
Borage (Borago officinalisis) is a perfect companion plant for tomatoes because, when planted nearby, it deters tomato hornworms, a real pest for many tomato growers. Its bright blue flowers, shaped like tomato blossoms, are an attractive ornamental addition to the garden as well.
Is borage carcinogenic?
Keep in mind that the borage plant also contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are compounds that can be toxic to the liver and may contribute to cancer growth ( 16 ).
Why do farmers grow borage?
One of the main reasons for planting Borage here at Hillfarm is to boost our population of bees, and help them to make our delicious hillfarm honey. Bees absolutely love Borage, and when the flowers bloom they will start collecting the pollen.
What parts of borage are toxic?
Borage seed oil is LIKELY UNSAFE when products containing a dangerous chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are taken by mouth. Borage plant parts including the leaf, flower, and seed can contain PAs. PAs can damage the liver or cause cancer, especially when used in high doses or for a long time.
Is borage invasive?
Borage is often referred to as invasive because of its rampant self-seeding habit. However, the seedlings are easy to identify and remove so it rarely becomes a major problem. Borage leaves and flowers are edible and have a cucumber flavor.
Is borage poisonous to dogs?
Borage is an amazingly versatile herb. It’s wonderful in summer salads and drinks, and its oils are great for your dog’s skin, which is why we love it at Lintbells (more about that later). Oh, and it’s good news for bees, too!
What kind of herb is borage?
Borage, also known as starflower or bee flower, is a plant harvested mostly for its seeds. It’s an annual plant with coarse, hairy leaves. It grows 2 to 3 feet tall and has blue, star-shaped flowers. The leaves and stems are a grey-green color.
What Cannot be planted with borage?
Avoid planting near Brassicas or potatoes. Borage is said to improve the growth and flavour of squash. Marigolds and nasturtium repel numerous squash pest insects. Strawberry – These little plants respond strongly to nearby plants.
What are the worst companion plants for tomatoes?
What are bad companion plants for tomatoes? Broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, and other brassicas. Brassicas, including broccoli, cabbage, rutabaga, and cauliflower, will compete for nutrients with tomatoes, as both brassicas and tomatoes are heavy feeders.
What vegetables benefit from borage?
There is much talk of growing borage as a companion plant for tomatoes, cabbage, strawberries and squash, associated with a reduction in leaf-eating caterpillars such as tomato hornworms and cabbage worms.
Does borage oil increase estrogen?
It’s known for increasing prostaglandin levels in general.
Borage has an advantage over Evening Primrose in that it isn’t estrogenic and it’s not known for increasing all prostaglandin levels.
Which is better borage or evening primrose?
Borage and evening primrose oils are important commercial sources of GLA; however, borage oils have a much higher content of GLA, almost double, than that found in evening primrose. On the other hand, evening primrose is much higher in ALA, an omega-6 essential fatty acid.
Does borage oil thin the blood?
Precautions: Borage oil can hinder the blood’s ability to clot, so it should be avoided by people on blood-thinning drugs and those with plans to undergo surgery. People with immune disorders and those with epilepsy should also avoid the supplement, as it may suppress the immune system and prompt seizures.
Should I cut back borage?
Cut back borage plants by half their size in midsummer to encourage reblooming. Blossom clusters make beautiful but short-lived cut flowers or edible garnishes.
What insects does borage attract?
The borage companion plant is said to repel tomato worms and cabbage worms because borage attracts beneficial insects, such as bees and tiny wasps.
Can you eat borage flowers raw?
Borage is a versatile herb to cook with or use raw in the kitchen; its leaves, stalk and flowers are edible.
Is borage good for the garden?
In the garden, the uses of borage include repelling pests such as hornworms, attracting pollinators, and aiding any plants it is interplanted with by increasing resistance to pests and disease. It is also helpful to, and compatible with, most plants — notably tomatoes, strawberries and squash.
Are comfrey and borage the same?
Though they are members of the same plant family (Boraginaceae), perennial comfrey (Symphytum officinale, USDA zones 4-8) and annual borage (Borago officinalis) are two different plants. These cousins both boast dark green foliage and fuzzy leaves.
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