Boraginaceae, the borage or forget-me-not family, includes about 2,000 species of shrubs, trees, and herbs in 146[3] to 154 genera with a worldwide distribution.

[4] The APG IV system from 2016 classifies the Boraginaceae as single family of the order Boraginales within the asterids.

The coarse character of the hairs is due to cystoliths of silicon dioxide and calcium carbonate.

These hairs can induce an adverse skin reaction, including itching and rash in some individuals, particularly among people who handle the plants regularly, such as gardeners.

In some species, anthocyanins cause the flowers to change color from red to blue with age.