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Abraham, Isaac and Jacob

Trachystemon orientalis

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
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Plant Profile
Similar Species
Other Information

Flowering Months:

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Order:

Boraginales

Family:

Boraginaceae (Borage)

Also in this family:

Alkanet, Alpine Forget-me-not, Blue-eyed Mary, Borage, Bugloss, Bulbous Comfrey, Bur Forget-me-not, Caucasian Comfrey, Changing Forget-me-not, Common Comfrey, Common Fiddleneck, Common Gromwell, Common Lungwort, Corn Gromwell, Creeping Comfrey, Creeping Forget-me-not, Crimean Comfrey, Early Forget-me-not, False Alkanet, Field Forget-me-not, Garden Anchusa, German Madwort, Giant Viper's Bugloss, Green Alkanet, Green Houndstongue, Hidcote Blue Comfrey, Houndstongue, Mawson's Lungwort, Narrow-leaved Lungwort, Norfolk Comfrey, Oysterplant, Pale Forget-me-not, Purple Gromwell, Purple Viper's Bugloss, Red Lungwort, Rough Comfrey, Russian Comfrey, Scarce Fiddleneck, Siberian Bugloss, Slender Borage, Suffolk Lungwort, Tansy-leaved Phacelia, Tuberous Comfrey, Tufted Forget-me-not, Viper's Bugloss, Water Forget-me-not, White Comfrey, White Forget-me-not, Wood Forget-me-not, Yellow Alkanet

Type:

Flower

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Maximum Size:

40 centimetres tall

Habitats:

Gardens, hedgerows, roadsides, towns, woodland.

Flower:

Purple, 5 petals

The flowers of Trachystemon orientalis (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) are star-shaped and typically a vivid bluish-violet, appearing in dense clusters atop thick, fleshy stems in late winter to early spring (February to April in the UK). Each flower has five narrow, pointed petals that curve slightly backwards and are fused at the base, with prominent stamens that extend well beyond the petals. These nodding blooms emerge before the foliage, giving the plant a striking presence when little else is in flower. Though each individual flower is modest in size (around 1.5–2 cm across), their early timing and grouped formation make them stand out against the bare woodland floor.

Fruit:

The fruit of Trachystemon orientalis is a dry, nutlet-like structure, typical of many members of the borage family (Boraginaceae). After flowering, the ovary develops into four small, hard nutlets enclosed within the remains of the calyx. These nutlets are brown, wrinkled, and relatively inconspicuous, usually falling close to the parent plant. While the plant can produce viable seed, it spreads more reliably and vigorously through its underground rhizomes rather than by seed dispersal, which is relatively uncommon in the UK’s climate.

Leaves:

The leaves of Trachystemon orientalis are one of its most distinctive features. They are very large, broadly ovate to heart-shaped, and can grow up to 40 cm across. The surface is rough and slightly hairy, with a somewhat coarse texture, and the margins are often wavy or irregularly toothed. When young, the leaves emerge after the flowers and form a dense, ground-covering rosette that effectively shades out competing vegetation. Their lush green colour and expansive size make them useful in gardens for suppressing weeds. As summer progresses, the leaves may begin to yellow and die back, especially in dry conditions, as the plant enters dormancy.

Aroma:

Trachystemon orientalis is not especially known for its fragrance, and in fact, it is generally considered to be scentless or very mildly scented. The flowers may emit a faint, slightly earthy or herbaceous smell when closely inspected, but they do not produce any strong or notable perfume. The foliage, especially when bruised or crushed, can have a mildly green, slightly astringent or vegetal odour, similar to many members of the borage family. Overall, its appeal lies more in its bold foliage and early flowering than in any aromatic qualities.

Other Names:

Abraham-Isaac-Jacob, Early-flowering Boarge, Oriental Borage.

Frequency (UK):

Rarely seen

Green Alkanet

Borage

Common Comfrey

Summary

Abraham-Isaac-Jacob or Early Spiderwort, is a perennial plant that belongs to the borage family. It is native to the eastern Mediterranean region and is known for its attractive blue-violet flowers. The plant is relatively easy to grow and is often used as a groundcover in gardens. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and thrives in partial shade to full sun. Trachystemon orientalis is generally hardy and can tolerate a wide range of conditions, although it may be prone to pests such as slugs and snails. The plant is known for its medicinal properties and has been used traditionally to treat a variety of ailments. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and to determine the safety and effectiveness of using it medicinally.

Blog

Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are not biblical figures, but rather a common name for a flowering plant species known as Trachystemon orientalis.

Trachystemon orientalis, commonly known as "Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob," is a perennial plant that belongs to the borage family. It is native to the eastern Mediterranean and western Asia, but can now be found in many parts of Europe and North America.

The plant is named after the biblical figures Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob because of the blue and white flowers that resemble the traditional garb worn by Jewish men. It typically grows to be about 12 inches tall, and has leaves that are hairy and slightly lobed. The flowers bloom in the spring and early summer, and are a beautiful blue color with a white center.

Trachystemon orientalis is a hardy plant that prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is an excellent choice for a rock garden or along the edge of a wooded area. The plant is also deer resistant, which makes it a great choice for a garden in an area where deer are a problem.

Trachystemon orientalis is relatively easy to care for and maintain. It should be watered regularly and fertilized with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. It can also be divided every few years to keep it healthy and promote new growth.

Another unique feature of Trachystemon orientalis is its ability to self-seed, which means that it can spread and grow in new areas with little effort from the gardener. This can be beneficial for naturalizing a garden or for filling in bare spots in the landscape. However, it can also become invasive if not controlled properly. Gardeners can prevent this by regularly removing spent flowers and seed heads or by planting the plant in an area where it will not have the opportunity to spread.

In addition to its ornamental value, Trachystemon orientalis has also been used for medicinal purposes. The plant's roots and leaves have been traditionally used to treat a variety of ailments, including rheumatism, wounds, and skin conditions. It has also been used as a diuretic and to promote lactation in breastfeeding mothers. However, it should be noted that more scientific research is needed to confirm the effectiveness and safety of using Trachystemon orientalis for medicinal purposes.

In addition to its ornamental and medicinal uses, Trachystemon orientalis also has ecological significance. The plant is a food source for several species of butterflies and moths, and its flowers are a popular source of nectar for bees and other pollinators. The plant can also provide cover and habitat for small mammals and birds. By planting this species in your garden, you can not only add beauty to your landscape, but you can also contribute to the conservation of pollinators and other wildlife.

Another great feature of Trachystemon orientalis is its adaptability to different types of soils and weather conditions. It can grow in sandy, clay, and loamy soils, and can tolerate both dry and wet conditions. It is also tolerant of some degree of shade, making it a great option for those gardens that have limited sunlight.

In conclusion, Trachystemon orientalis, or Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, is an attractive and versatile perennial plant that can add beauty to any garden. It has a number of benefits such as being deer resistant, self-seeding, medicinal use and ecological significance. It is also adaptable to different types of soils and weather conditions, making it a great option for many different types of gardens. With proper care and attention, this plant can thrive and provide years of enjoyment.

A Botanical Curiosity of Early Spring

Nature has a poetic way of naming its creations, and few wild plants better exemplify this than Trachystemon orientalis, more affectionately known as Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. With its cascade of bluish-violet flowers unfurling just as winter gives way to spring, this peculiar plant holds as much intrigue in its etymology and history as in its botany.

Despite its biblical name, this striking member of the borage family (Boraginaceae) hails not from the Holy Land but from the damp woodland edges of eastern Europe and western Asia. It’s a plant that has travelled far — both in geography and in myth.

Origin and Distribution

Trachystemon orientalis is native to the Balkans, northeastern Turkey, the Caucasus, and parts of western Asia. It thrives in shaded, moist woodland environments where it quickly forms extensive ground cover. While not native to Britain, it is increasingly found in gardens and occasionally naturalised in the wild, particularly in southern England. Its ability to tolerate deep shade and suppress weeds makes it a popular choice among gardeners and naturalists alike.

It was introduced to Britain as an ornamental plant but is sometimes seen near old gardens or woodlands where it may have escaped cultivation.

Botanical Description

Family: Boraginaceae (borage family)
Genus: Trachystemon (a monotypic genus — only one species)
Species: orientalis
Flowering period: February to April in the UK

The plant produces large, heart- to oval-shaped leaves that are rough to the touch and resemble comfrey or borage — both of which are close relatives. These leaves emerge after the flowering phase and are typically up to 30cm long, helping the plant to dominate shady ground in spring and early summer.

Its flowers are perhaps its most charming feature: nodding, star-like blooms of deep blue or violet, each with five petals and long, protruding stamens. These appear in clusters atop thick, fleshy stems, sometimes while snow is still on the ground.

Each flower is less than 2 cm across, but their massed display on a still-bare forest floor creates an early splash of colour in what is otherwise a floral lull.

Why the Name "Abraham, Isaac and Jacob"?

This evocative common name, more often associated with biblical patriarchs than botany, has puzzled many. The likely reason lies in the tiered emergence or overlapping appearance of the flowers — sometimes interpreted as symbolic of three generations. Some sources claim that the flowers seem to appear in threes or in sequence — representing Abraham (the grandfather), Isaac (the father), and Jacob (the son). It’s a poetic naming, rather than a strict botanical description.

The plant has various other regional names, particularly in the Balkans and Turkey, where it is known as hodan or karabaş otu and sometimes eaten as a spring green (though care should be taken with any wild plant consumed in foraging).

Gardening and Cultivation

For gardeners, Trachystemon orientalis is a gift in awkward, shady spots. Its tough rhizomes spread slowly to create a dense carpet that few weeds can penetrate. While this makes it ideal as a groundcover under trees or along woodland borders, some may find its spread a little vigorous, so containment may be necessary.

It prefers:

Moist, well-drained soil
Partial to full shade
Cooler temperatures

It is hardy in the UK (down to around -15°C), and requires little to no maintenance once established. It can be propagated by division in autumn or after flowering in spring.

Wildlife Value

While not a magnet for pollinators like some wildflowers, the early bloom time of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob means it offers valuable nectar to any bees and insects brave enough to emerge during the last gasps of winter. In a woodland garden designed for biodiversity, this plant fills a seasonal niche that few others can.

Similar Plants and Confusion

Because of its large, rough leaves and blue flowers, it’s often mistaken for:

Comfrey (Symphytum spp.)
Borage (Borago officinalis)
Green alkanet (Pentaglottis sempervirens)

However, Trachystemon flowers much earlier in the season than these relatives and has a distinct leafless flowering phase before the foliage emerges — something worth noting for wildflower ID.