I should know what this is but can't remember. It think it is a bit prickly. There is also a hybrid for gardens. We have lots of them in bloom around here right now, and they do make a pretty display. Sorry, I'm no help but I hope someone chimes in!!

Nancy.

Anchusa azurea. The one often used in gardens is Anchusa azurea Loddon Royalist.

Daisy

Perhaps the original poster can address whether it was prickly or not. This doesn't look like the Anchusa azurea in my garden which while a similar color is taller, has all its flowers near the top on branching stems, and doesn't have extruding pistol that these appear to have.

I discovered it to be viper's bugloss, echium vulgare! An invasive noxious weed.

Such a shame, but thanks for the ID and the warning.

Definitely echium vulgare - I too was thinking anchusa, as it too blooms at this time. The rough hairy bit of the description fits with my memory of being up close and trying to pick it!!

Nancy.