Commonly found throughout Latvia, it grows both individually and in small groups in dry meadows and sandy slopes. It is a perennial, medium to large-sized (30-100 cm) member of the borage family. Blooms from mid-June to August.

Its roots are used in folk medicine as an expectorant and anti-inflammatory remedy. They contain alkaloids and are considered toxic. The flowers are sometimes used for dye extraction.

Photo: www.redzet.eu

Information sources: www.latvijasdaba.lv, Wikipedia