borage

a.k.a. star flower, herb of gladness
latin name: borago officinalis

zone: 3-7
type: perennial
light: full sun
height: 1.5 – 3 feet (45 cm – 1 m)

description:  Mid-green leaves are bristly, oval or oblong in shape and succulent.   This herb produces 5-petaled flowers which appear in summer and last until the first frost.   These flowers can be blue or white with black stamens.  Borage is found attractive to bees.      

harvest:  Pick fresh flowers just as they open fully.  The best way to preserve flowers is by candying them.  Pick fresh young leaves of borage throughout the season.   

culinary notes:  The fresh cucumber-flavored leaves taste good added to salads, soups, summer drinks and with cream cheese or yogurt..  Fresh flowers are added to salads or used as a garnish.  They are also made into a syrup, or candied as caked decorations.  Borage honey is also popular.