It is a bristly, perennial plant native to southwestern Europe, in northwest Iberia and France.

Green alkanet blooms in spring and early summer, between April and June,[4] or July.

Its stamens are hidden inside narrow flower-tubes which end in a white eye in the centre of a blue flower.

[5] The flowers are pollinated by bees and bumblebees, and the seed capsules can also be transported over some distances on passing animal fur or attached to clothing.

[6] The genus Pentaglottis was first published by Bohemian botanist Ignaz Friedrich Tausch (1793-1848), in Flora 12: 643 in 1829,[7] then the species Pentaglottis sempervirens was first published by American botanist Liberty Hyde Bailey (1858-1954) in Man.

[10] It is found in woods and in hedge-banks,[5] or in damp or shaded places and often close to some buildings.

[12] Although toxic if consumed in large quantities, the leaves have medicinal properties and were recommended for the treatment of coughs, digestive problems and fevers by Nicholas Culpeper.

[13] The leaves are also an effective remedy for burns and ulcers when crushed and combined with vinegar and rose water.