Green Alkanet
Pentaglottis sempervirens
Washington State Classification
Class C — Widespread, County-Selected Control
Quick Reference
Identification
Growth Habit
Hebaceous perennial that grows up to 3.3 feet (1 meter) tall and has deep, thick roots. Plant parts covered in stiff hairs (hispid).
Leaves
Basal leaves are on long petioles and grow up to 15.75 inches (40 cm) long. Leaves are ovate (egg-shaped), abruptly contracted at the base and have a pointed tip. Leaves are alternately arranged on the stems and become smaller and more sessile going upward.
Flowers
Flowers grow in terminal and axillary clusters (cymes) on long peduncles (flower stems). Clusters are subtended by a pair of leaf-like bracts. Flowers have 5 petals, are radially symmetrical, are blue with white center, and the petals are fused at the base into a tube. Flower stamens are equal and included down in the tube with the style. Flowers 0.4 inches (8-10 mm) in diameter.
Fruit & Seeds
There are 4 nutlets produced per flower, ridged with knob-like, stalked bases.
Ecology & Spread
Habitat
Plants grow in partly shaded to shaded sites in garden settings, woodlands and disturbed sites such as roadsides. Noted as growing in lowland western Washington and British Columbia south to California. Click here to see a county-level distribution of green alkanet in Washington.
Spread Mechanisms
Reproduction
Plants reproduce by seed.
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