[julietmaria]

Hi I have been trying to find the name of this weed for ages but no one seems to know.  It has a long tapering root and is very prolific.  It has broad leaves and a few people have thought it to be comfrey - it definately is not though.  It has purple/blue flowers which are small and look a bit like forgetmenot flowers.  It is in flower now and reaches about 2 feet high.  I think it self seeds and comes back from the roots.  I am constantly digging it up.  

I would love to know what it is - does anyone have any idea's.  I have looked at weeks on the internet and in my books but can never seem to find it, yet I see it everywhere.
Thanks Juliet

[MrsMak]

Are the leaves hairy?  If so it sounds like borage - I think it's related to comfrey.  It's certainly prolific.  If you like it you can put the flowers in your Pimms, but it will self seed and get everywhere if you let it!

[WG.]

Alkanet?

[julietmaria]

Alkanet!! - YES

thanks so much

[WG.]

Happy to be of service.  

Roots can be used by soap makers to give a blue colour.