Common Bugloss
Anchusa officinalis • Class B |
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Family Name: | Boraginacea family (Bor-AJ-in-nee-see-ee) | |
Common: | Forget-me-not family | |
Genus: |
Anchusa (an-KOO-suh) Meaning: Plant used for cosmetic; as a rouge perhaps |
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Species: |
officinalis (oh-fiss-ih-NAH-liss) Meaning: Official - used in pharmacological sense |
Description: |
Common bugloss forms a basal rosette in the 1st year, with a single flowering stalk the 2nd year. It produces multiple hairy stalks ranging from 1 to 2 feet tall in suceeding years. The narrow leaves are fleshy, succulent, slightly pointed and progressively smaller as they grow up the stem. Its small flowers are blue to purple in color with a white center and grow at the end of the stems. Bloomtime is from late spring to early fall. Each flower produces a four chambered nutlet, each chamber contains one seed. Common bugloss has a very deep, stout taproot. A single plant may produce up to 900 seeds per year. |
Why Is it a Noxious Weed? |
Common bugloss is a threat to agriculture and competes with more desirable vegetation such as native plants or crops. The fleshy stalks can cause baled hay to mold. |
Where Does it Grow? |
It prefers sandy gravelly soils. It invades alfalfa fields, pastures, and waste areas. Since the seeds of this plant can remain dormant for many years, it can become a persistent weed problem. |
Facts: |
Its bristly hairs may cause skin irritation. This plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloid, the same alkaloid found in Tansy Ragwort though in much smaller amounts. In large quantities it causes liver damage leading to cirrhosis of the liver.
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Control Options: |
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More Information: |
For more information on this noxious weed Download our Flyer or visit Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board Here. Photo by Leo Michels
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More Pictures: |