Viper’s bugloss, or Echium vulgare, is an exquisite wildflower named for its winding, serpentine look and symbolic worth. This blue and purple flowering species grows wild and for decorative functions in varied components of the world. On this information, I’ll cowl every part it’s worthwhile to find out about Viper’s Bugloss that means within the language of flowers.

Viper’s Bugloss Symbolism – Key Takeaways
Viper’s Bugloss, identified scientifically as Echium vulgare, is a wildflower with a noticed, upright stem and brilliant blue flowers. Its snake-like look might have contributed to its that means within the Victorian language of flowers, because the viper’s bugloss represented the standard of falsehood.
Etymological Which means
The viper’s bugloss is called due to its winding, snake-like stems. Nevertheless, bugloss comes from the Greek bou, that means ox, and the Latin glosso, that means tongue. This can be because of the plant’s tough texture and tongue-shaped leaves.
The genus Echium comes from the Greek echis, which implies viper. Listed here are a number of of the opposite frequent nicknames for the viper’s bugloss:
- Blue satan
- Blue weed
- Adderwort
- Blue thistle
- Snake flower
- Viper’s herb
- Viper’s grass
Viper’s Bugloss Flower Which means and Symbolism

Viper’s bugloss buds change from pink to a brilliant violet-blue as they flower. This shade of blue typically symbolizes royalty, luxurious, or mysticism, however the Victorian language of flowers has a distinct that means for this plant.
Within the Victorian period, the language of flowers, or floriography, was a manner for individuals to convey that means with sure flowers and preparations. It assigned the that means of falsehood to the viper’s bugloss plant. This can be because of the serpentine look of its stems and the frequent affiliation between snakes and deception.
In historic historical past, the viper’s bugloss is referenced by Homer. In keeping with the story, Helen of Troy provided Echium vulgare to her company throughout a dinner gathering. On the time, the plant was used to raise the spirits and relieve complications and nervous vitality.
The Cultural Significance of Viper’s Bugloss

The viper’s bugloss is a well-liked wildflower in lots of areas world wide. In actual fact, it is named the county flower in East Lothian, or Haddintonshire, a county situated on the coast of Scotland close to Edinburgh.
The poem “Outer and Interior” by George Meredith, an English novelist and poet in the course of the Victorian period, additionally references the viper’s bugloss. A line reads, “Alongside my path is bugloss blue…” The poem continues with an outline of typical wildflowers and crops discovered within the poet’s native England.
Except for these examples, there aren’t many references to this snake flower in faith, mythology, artwork, or literature. Individuals benefit from the plant most by observing it rising wild in its pure habitat.
Appropriate Gifting Events
Attributable to its tough, spiky texture, we don’t advocate giving Viper’s bugloss as a part of a flower association for any big day. As a result of it could irritate the pores and skin, it’s best left to develop outside, the place its putting look can encourage pleasure from afar.
Wrap Up
Viper’s bugloss is a putting wildflower to identify rising in meadows and wildlife gardens. Whether or not taking of their vivid coloring, and symbolic that means or rising your individual to draw pollinators, you’re positive to benefit from the vibrant visible high quality the viper’s bugloss brings to its atmosphere.
Brandy Wells is an American copywriter and content material author dwelling in Spain. From mountaineering in her hometown close to the Smoky Mountains to digging within the dust in rural Oregon, she has at all times put a love of nature on the coronary heart of her endeavors. Today, you’ll catch her writing content material, and naturally, taking breaks to are inclined to her rising houseplant assortment.