This is a common weed of cultivation, roadside verges and waste places in continental Europe. The leaves are often much greyer and fleshier than the ones in the photograph and there is a purple ring (concealed by the bracts here) at the base of the flowers. Sometimes the flowers are all purple or reddish brown. Cerinthe major is found occasionally introduced in England.

Hills near Peschici, Gargano, Italy 24th April 2009

Added on November 29th 2009, updated 12th March 2010, updated 1st March 2012