(Echium vulgare)
Description
- Native to Europe.
- Biennial or short lived perennial.
- Blue flowers on upper part of stalk.
- Small stiff hairs on stem and leaves.
- Likes dry, rocky and/or shallow soils.
- Found in the Creston, Nakusp, Kaslo, Whatshan and Powder Creek area.
Consequences of invasion
- Invades rangelands and pastures, impacting livestock.
- Contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be toxic to horses and cattle when ingested.
- Seeds can contaminate clover and other crop seeds.
- Known host for several plant diseases spread by aphids including alfalfa mosaic virus and tobacco mosaic virus.
- Seeds viable for 36 months.
Integrated Pest Management Options
- Pull or dig small infestations when soil is moist.
- Proper pasture and rangeland management, minimizing soil disturbance and overgrazing.
- Chemical control may work on larger infestations.
More information available:
- Weeds BC
- Invasive Species Council of BC blueweed factsheet
- Alberta Invasive Plant Council: www.invasiveplants.ab.ca
- Montana State University: www.msuextension.org