Common Bugloss
Anchusa officinalis
Washington State Classification
Class B — Control Required (Designated)
Common bugloss is a threat to agriculture.
Required control in Region 1 (all western Washington counties)
Quick Reference
Identification
Growth Habit
Common bugloss is a perennial herb that can flower its first year but typically starts out as a basal rosette of leaves. It has a deep taproot and can reach 1 to 2 feet tall. The entire plant is covered in coarse hairs.
Leaves
Common bugloss has basal and alternate stem leaves. Lower leaves are narrow, oblong, and slightly pointed. Its leaves decrease in size going up the stem and upper leaves are thin and sessile (no petiole).
Flowers
Flowers are blue to purple, with white throats and 5 equal lobes. Flowers clusters form cymes or helicoid clusters (like a spiral or helix). As they mature, coils unfurl and straighten out.
Fruit & Seeds
Each flower produces four nutlets, with each nutlet containing one seed.
Impact
Common bugloss is a threat to agriculture. It invades alfalfa fields and pastures. The fleshy stalks can cause baled hay to mold.
Ecology & Spread
Habitat
It grows in sandy, gravelly areas such as disturbed areas, roadsides, fields and pastures. Please click here to see a county level distribution map of common bugloss in Washington.
Spread Mechanisms
Reproduction
Common bugloss reproduces by seed.
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Control Methods
Mechanical
- Small invasions can be dug out, making sure to remove the taproot. Dig plants before going to seed or if already forming seeds, make sure to bag removed plants to prevent seed dispersal.