Echium vulgare
Description
- Native to Europe.
- Biennial or short lived perennial.
- Blue, purple or pink flowers on upper part of stalk.
- Small stiff hairs on stem and leaves, leaves feel rough.
- Stems have dark spots.
- Grows in dry, rocky and/or shallow soils.
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.
- Host for plant diseases including alfalfa mosaic virus and tobacco mosaic virus.
- Seeds can remain viable for up to 36 months depending on conditions.
Status in the CKISS region
- Blueweed is present in some parts of the CKISS region.
- It is currently classified as Eradicate/Annual Control on the CKISS Annual Priority List.
- There are a few Invasive Plant Management Areas (IPMAs) where this species has not been found, so it is classified as Regional EDRR for those IPMAs.
- CKISS is taking steps to monitor and manage blueweed.
- To learn more about how CKISS classifies and manages invasive species, see our Invasive Species Priority Lists page.
Integrated pest management options
- Pull or dig when soil is moist to control small infestations.
- Proper pasture and rangeland management practices like minimizing soil disturbance and overgrazing.
- Chemical control may work on larger infestations.
Additional resources
