Alkanna tinctoria

Alkanna tinctoria (scientific name: Alkanna tinctoria) is a perennial herb in the family Boraginaceae native to southeastern Europe. The stems are rough and coarse with stiff hairs. It produces small blue-purple flowers in spring to summer. The roots have a red pigment called alkannin, which is used as a source of dye. It is made into a potpourri. However, it is not used as a food because of its liver poisoning. Its roots have been used as a red dye for cosmetics since ancient Egypt.

Common name: Alkanna tinctoria, scientific name: Alkanna tinctoria, Place of origin: Southeastern Europe, Grass height: 10-30 cm, flowering season: May to July, Flower diameter: 0.5-0.8 cm, flower color: dark blue or blue-violet