Identifying Borage (Borago officinalis)

Take great care when identifying wild plants and fungi, this blog is not a resource to be taken by itself and further resources will be linked. Consult other sources and double check. While foraging is an extremely rewarding and useful skill, numerous common plants and fungi can make you sick or kill you. Be absolutely sure of what you’re eating and, when gathering, ensure you leave enough not only to ensure the survival and growth of the species but also enough for others to enjoy, from the human and more-than-human communities. Also cultivate an awareness of contamination and pollution – wastewater runoff, spraying, exhaust fumes – as this should affect your decision to harvest.

The Plant

Borago officinalis is a flowering annual plant from the Boraginaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean but is cultivated and grows wild around the world. The genus name, Borago, may be derived from the medieval Latin words “borra” or “burra” meaning “rough hair”, in reference to the hairy foliage. Officinalis comes from the Latin word “officina” meaning “pharmacy” or “workshop”, referring to borage’s medicinal properties. Borage is also known as “starflower”.

Description

Borage is an annual plant which self seeds easily and prolifically in New Zealand Gardens. The plant grows 30 to 90 cm tall and the branches grow either erect or slightly sprawling outwards. The leaves are large at the base of the plant, getting smaller higher up the stem and are grey-green in colour. They grow alternately up the stem and can be rounded or slightly tapered at the ends. The flowers have five pointed petals and, they are generally purple but are also pink and white in some cases, in the centre of the flower are five pointed stamens and black anthers. The flowers grow in drooping clusters from hollow stems and the fuzzy green seed pods produce four black-brown seeds. Borage flowers are hermaphrodite (having both male and female parts) and are generally pollinated by bees.

Ecology

I have come across Borago officinalis all over the North and South Islands of New Zealand. Borage will self-seed in most gardens and parks and can become an invasive species if not controlled properly and they will die in cold winters. Borage likes a sunny position in the garden with fertile well drained soil but will also grow well in disturbed areas of land. They flower from late spring through early summer. If you wish to plant borage pick your location carefully as they don’t respond well to transplanting.

Nutritional & Medicinal Information

Borage leaves are rich in vitamin C, potassium, calcium, and trace minerals.

Borage seed oil has been extracted and used for many years for it’s high concentration of the fatty acid GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) which is anti-inflammatory and can be used to treat pain and encourage the body to repair. Borage oil can help ease symptoms of endometriosis, menstrual cramps, breast tenderness, PMS, and menopause. It is used for a healthy metabolism as well as healthy skin and hair. The oil is also high in mucilage which soothes sore throats.

Historically borage has been used to treat depression.

Borage leaves contain very small amounts of liver-toxic pyrrollizidine alkaloids (PA). Borage leaves, flowers, and oil should not be taken long term or in high doses as there is a risk of liver damage due to the PA’s (these can often be processed out in the borage oil though).

Possible Lookalikes

Green alkanet (pentaglottis sempervirens) is part of the Boraginaceae family and also has hairy leaves and blue flowers. The flowers however have rounded petals and the leaves are thinner and more sharply tapered. Green alkanet has been eaten for many years but does contain carcinogens so eating it isn’t recommended.

Comfrey (symphytum officinale) is also part of the Boraginaceae family but has much shorter hairs on the leaves and generally much larger darker green leaves. The flowers are clusters of rounded bells which are pink, purple, or white. Comfrey is mildly toxic and is not recommended for long term edibility.

Interesting Facts

Borage is resistant to deer and rabbits but is also toxic to dogs and cats.

Borage produces tons of nectar and pollen and so attracts many bees, parasitic wasps, and hoverflies which prey on garden “pests”.

Borage is a great companion plant. They deter worms which could affect cabbages, tomatoes, squashes, and, strawberries.

Storage & Cooking

The young leaves of the borage plant can be harvested and used fresh in salads or used like spinach in stews or sauces. In Germany the leaves are used in a famous “green sauce” for Frankfurters. Leaves should be used within a few days of harvesting.

The flowers should be used immediately after picking and have a delicious cucumber fresh, honey sweet flavour. The look and taste amazing as a garnish for salads, sandwiches, cakes, pastries, ice creams, and, cocktails. They can also be steeped into a tea or used to flavour a brine for pickles as they do in Poland and Russia.

Enjoy my fellow foragers!

Further Reading

Gardenia

New Zealand Plant Conservation Network

iNaturalist

Specialty Produce

Zurma