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Borage

Borage (*Borago officinalis*) is an annual herb in the family Boraginaceae, native to the eastern Mediterranean region and widely cultivated elsewhere.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Borage (Borago officinalis) is an annual herb in the family Boraginaceae, native to the eastern Mediterranean region and widely cultivated elsewhere. It is known for its bristly leaves, star-shaped blue flowers, and use as an edible and ornamental plant. The leaves and flowers are used in foods and drinks, and the plant is valued by gardeners and beekeepers for attracting pollinators.

Description

Borage is a hairy annual herb that typically grows to about 50–70 cm tall. It has broad rough leaves and drooping clusters of bright blue, star-shaped flowers with prominent yellow stamens.

Distribution and cultivation

The species is native to the eastern Mediterranean region and is now cultivated in many temperate regions. It is easy to grow from seed and commonly self-seeds in gardens.

Uses

Borage leaves and flowers are eaten fresh or cooked, and the flowers are also used to garnish drinks and salads. The plant is also grown as an ornamental and to attract bees and other pollinating insects.

Seed oil

Borage seeds are used to produce oil, which is notable for its gamma-linolenic acid content. This has made the species important in some agricultural and commercial contexts.

Key facts

  • Borage is an annual herb with rough, hairy leaves and star-like flowers.
  • It is native to the eastern Mediterranean region and cultivated in Europe, Great Britain, and North America.
  • The leaves and flowers are edible and used in salads, soups, stews, and drinks.
  • Borage flowers attract bees and other pollinators, and the plant often self-seeds in gardens.
  • Borage seed oil is associated with gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).
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Canadian context

Borage is cultivated in Canada as an edible herb and ornamental garden plant, and it is valued by Canadian gardeners for attracting pollinators.

Frequently asked questions

What is borage?
Borage is an annual herb, scientifically named Borago officinalis, known for its blue star-shaped flowers and edible leaves.
Where is borage native to?
Borage is native to the eastern Mediterranean region.
Is borage edible?
Yes. Its leaves and flowers are edible and are used in salads, soups, stews, and drinks.
What does borage look like?
It has rough, hairy leaves and clusters of drooping, star-like blue flowers on red stalks.
Why do gardeners grow borage?
Gardeners grow it for its flowers, its ability to self-seed, and its value in attracting pollinators such as bees.
Does borage produce oil?
Yes. Borage seed oil is produced commercially and is known for its gamma-linolenic acid content.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/borage
    Supports: Scientific name, family, native range, physical description, edible and ornamental uses, pollinator value.
  2. Royal Horticultural Society — https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/borage
    Supports: Growth habit, flower colour, height, self-seeding, edible flowers, and cultivar notes.
  3. University of Maryland Extension — https://extension.umd.edu/resource/borage
    Supports: Appearance, height, easy self-seeding, growing conditions, and culinary use.
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/borage
    Supports: Pollinator attraction and use in gardens.