Blueweed

Echium vulgare

WA B desig. Boraginaceae

Data Maturity Baseline

Washington State Classification

Class B — Control Required (Designated)

Blueweed invades pastureland and outcompetes more palatable forage.

Required control in Region 1 (all western Washington counties)

Quick Reference

Type

perennial herb

Origin

Asia and Europe

Identification

Growth Habit

Blueweed is a taprooted, upright biennial reaching 1 to 3 feet tall.

Leaves

The leaves are basal, oblanceolate and become smaller and sessile as they move up the stem.

Flowers

Inflorescences are long and narrow and have many flowers. Flowers have a deeply cleft, 5 parted calyx (sepals). Petals are blue, fused at the base with 5 unequal lobes.

Fruit & Seeds

Flowers each produce 4 nutlets, each nutlet contains one seed.

Impact

Blueweed invades pastureland and outcompetes more palatable forage.

Ecology & Spread

Habitat

Blueweed can be found on roadsides, in pastures and disturbed sites. Please click here to see a county level distribution map of blueweed in Washington.

Spread Mechanisms

seed

Reproduction

Blueweed reproduces by seed.

Regional Notes — Puget Sound