common viper's bugloss, blueweed
(Echium vulgare)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Origin
Native to North Africa, mainland Europe, and the Macaronesia islands.
Appearance
E. vulgare, Blueweed is a biennial or short-lived perennial herb that is native to Europe. Erect, branching, spotted stems, usually 2–5′ (0.6–1.5 m) tall, arise from the plant’s stout black taproot. Small black or red bumps occur at the base of the bristly hairs that cover the stem, giving it a flecked appearance. The entire plant is covered in long, stiff fiberglass-like hairs that can become lodged in the skin. E. vulgare forms a rosette in its first year but does not flower until the second year. It reproduces by seed and is toxic to both animals and humans.
Leaves
Leaves are alternate, oblong to linear or lanceolate, and covered in white speckles and long white hairs. Stalked leaves grow up to 8″ (20.3 cm) long and become progressively smaller toward the stem tip.
Flowers
Flowers are somewhat tubular with the top petals overhanging the bottom and are subtended by bracts (1 per flower) with multiple lobes and folds. Funnel-shaped flowers have 5 petals and are bright blue to purple, about 0.8″ (2.032 cm) across, and covered with stiff hairs. The flowers are present from late spring to early fall in cymes (an arrangement similar to a fiddleneck).
Seeds and Fruit
Reproduction by seed; 4 one-seeded nutlets per flower. The seeds are wrinkled, angular, and grayish-brown.
Ecological Threat
E. vulgare can be found in sunny locations with well-draining soil. Examples include sandy roadsides, abandoned fields, pastures, and/or wastelands.
Citations
Winston, R.L., Andreas, J.E., Milan, J., DesCamp, W., Randell, C.B., and M. Schwarzländer. 2014. New Invaders of the Northwest. United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team. FHTET-2014-12. Retrieved from https://www.fs.fed.us/foresthealth/technology/pdfs/FHTET-2014-12_NW_New_Invaders.pdf
Native to North Africa, mainland Europe, and the Macaronesia islands.
Appearance
E. vulgare, Blueweed is a biennial or short-lived perennial herb that is native to Europe. Erect, branching, spotted stems, usually 2–5′ (0.6–1.5 m) tall, arise from the plant’s stout black taproot. Small black or red bumps occur at the base of the bristly hairs that cover the stem, giving it a flecked appearance. The entire plant is covered in long, stiff fiberglass-like hairs that can become lodged in the skin. E. vulgare forms a rosette in its first year but does not flower until the second year. It reproduces by seed and is toxic to both animals and humans.
Leaves
Leaves are alternate, oblong to linear or lanceolate, and covered in white speckles and long white hairs. Stalked leaves grow up to 8″ (20.3 cm) long and become progressively smaller toward the stem tip.
Flowers
Flowers are somewhat tubular with the top petals overhanging the bottom and are subtended by bracts (1 per flower) with multiple lobes and folds. Funnel-shaped flowers have 5 petals and are bright blue to purple, about 0.8″ (2.032 cm) across, and covered with stiff hairs. The flowers are present from late spring to early fall in cymes (an arrangement similar to a fiddleneck).
Seeds and Fruit
Reproduction by seed; 4 one-seeded nutlets per flower. The seeds are wrinkled, angular, and grayish-brown.
Ecological Threat
E. vulgare can be found in sunny locations with well-draining soil. Examples include sandy roadsides, abandoned fields, pastures, and/or wastelands.
Citations
Winston, R.L., Andreas, J.E., Milan, J., DesCamp, W., Randell, C.B., and M. Schwarzländer. 2014. New Invaders of the Northwest. United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team. FHTET-2014-12. Retrieved from https://www.fs.fed.us/foresthealth/technology/pdfs/FHTET-2014-12_NW_New_Invaders.pdf
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Invasive Listing Sources
- Alberta Weed Control Act
- Idaho Noxious Weeds
- Invasive Plant Species of West Virginia
- Jil M. Swearingen, Survey of invasive plants occurring on National Park Service lands, 2000-2007
- Montana Noxious Weeds
- National Park Service, Mid-Atlantic Exotic Plant Management Team Invasive Plant List
- New Invaders of the Northwest
- Oregon Noxious Weeds
- Pacific Northwest Exotic Pest Plant Council, 1998
- Utah Noxious Weeds - Early Detection
- Washington Noxious Weeds
- WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States
- West Virginia Invasive Species Strategic Plan and Volunteer Guidelines 2014
- West Virginia Native Plant Society, Flora West Virginia Project, and West Virginia Curatorial Database System, September 3, 1999
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Phylum: Magnoliophyta |
| Class: Magnoliopsida |
| Superorder: Asteranae |
| Order: Boraginales |
| Family: Boraginaceae |
| Genus: Echium |
| Echium vulgare |
References
Common Name Reference: Weed Science Society of America Common Names List
Scientific Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.