Montana Weed Control Association

MSU has done it again!   A new publication about Blueweed.

Blueweed (Echium vulgare), a member of the Boraginacae family, was introduced from southern Europe and is now widely distributed throughout North America. It is a biennial to short-lived perennial. Blueweed has bright blue flowers with pink-to-red stamens and is covered with bristly hairs. It reproduces by seed only. This species is typically found in disturbed areas and overgrazed range or pastureland. It thrives in sandy, well-drained soils with low nutrient levels and tolerates dry conditions. It has also been found in irrigated, well-maintained pastures. The plant is not considered palatable to livestock, and it has toxic alkaloids that can cause liver failure. Early detection of new plants is very important. Small infestations can be managed by hand-pulling or digging, while larger infestations can be treated with herbicides.

Download your copy of this 12 page full color booklet.

Published in WSWS Proceedings, 2007, Portland, OR.
VIPER’S BUGLOSS:  BIOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT OF A NEW INVADER ON RANGELAND

Celestine A. Duncan, Bill Kral, Bryce Christiaens, and Rob Johnson

Viper’s bugloss (Echium vulgare L.) is a biennial to short-lived taprooted perennial in the borage family.  The plant grows 2 to 3 feet tall, and both stems and leaves are covered with stiff trichomes that emerge from a bulbous base. Brilliant blue flowers are borne on a thyrse, and produce from 500 to 2000 seeds per plant.  Viper’s bugloss contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids poisonous to livestock. The plant is native to Europe preferring dry, coarse textured, rocky soils. It is established in temperate zones worldwide especially along transportation corridors, overgrazed pastures, and rangeland.

Link to Full Article