This (usually) biennial plant produces a rosette of hairy, strap-like leaves in the first year. In the second year tall, upright stems arise in June, covered with clusters of pink flower buds, which uncurl into dark purplish-blue funnel-shaped flowers. Both the leaves and stems are roughly hairy.

Indicator Species - Leicestershire, Leicester & Rutland Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

Stamens exserted; corolla zygomorphic (unequal stamens and corolla lobes)

Photograph of whole plant

Found on disturbed dry soils on dunes, shingle, cliffs and open grassland with short turf.

June and July.

Biennial, but occasionally annual or perennial.

Widespread but local in Britain.

Uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland. In the 1979 Flora survey of Leicestershire it was found in 6 of the 617 tetrads.