Borage is a native plant of Southern Europe, which has become naturalized all over Europe and the United States. It’s fair to say borage “grows like a weed”. This useful herb grows abundantly in abandoned lawns and garbage dumps. At one time borage was an essential herb for beekeepers, grown to help bees produce more honey. Traditionally, it was also grown as an ornamental, or boiled as a pot herb. Borage is noted for having a cucumber like flavor and easily recognized by its white prickly hairs and bright blue, star-shaped flowers. Its dark green leaves are gently curved and its fruits consist of dark brown nutlets (seeds) in groups of four. Borage is thought to be an excellent insect repellant, so it is often grown in gardens to protect from damage insects can cause or used in certain skin care products.