Kingdom: Plantae
(Unranked): Angiosperms
(Unranked): Eudicots
(Unranked): Asterids
Order: (unplaced)
Family: Boraginaceae
Genus: Cerinthe
Species: Cerinthe major
Common names: Honeywort, Blue Honeywort, Blue Wax Flower, Blue Shrimp Plant, Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens'
Cerinthe major is a native of the Mediterranean. Though from this warm region they do survive in zones with cooler temperatures, where winters get down to zero degrees.
Cerinthe major leaves are a faintly mottled blue-green, ending in nodding blue bracks (specialised leaf associated with a flower) embracing blue-purple petals. The flowers are bell-shaped and are nectar-rich and are visited continuously by bees.
After black seeds have ripened the plant "explodes" the seed capsules and the seeds are thrown a considerable distance.
This efficient self-seeding method as made many counties class Cerinthe major as a weed. It is listed in the Global Compendium of Weeds. In the Landcare Research New Zealand (2001) Plant Names Database it is classified as naturalised.
Thanks to Wikipedia for text and information: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
