Borage is a fascinating herb native to Syria with wrinkled, hairy leaves and a cucumber-like taste. Edible, bright blue star-shaped flowers with prominent black anthers have a sweet flavor and are perfect garnishes for desserts. Flourishes in less than great soil and reseeds readily.
Borage makes a great companion plant for squash, strawberries, and tomatoes. Many parts of the plant are also used medicinally.
Boraginaceae Borago officinalis
Vanessa cardui
The larvae of the Painted Lady will feed on sunflowers and a number of vegetable crops. However the damage is rarely serious enough to warrant interfering with this beautiful butterfly.
Image: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org