IDENTIFICATION
Regional Noxious. Biennial or perennial.
Common bugloss has fleshy, hairy leaves that grow smaller in size
towards the top of the stem. Flower stems, initially coiled like fiddleheads,
straighten out as each bud opens. Deep purple to blue flowers with white
centres produce four nut-like seeds each. Mature plants grow to 0.8 m
and have a long taproot.
DAMAGE
This weed invades pastures and hay lands where it reduces yield. It spoils
baled alfalfa hay as the succulent leaves and stems become mouldy. It
is not a problem in cultivated crops, but it invades rangelands and disturbed
areas where competing vegetation is sparse.
HABITAT
Common bugloss favours dry, fertile, well-drained soils. It is
found on roadsides, dry fields, pastures, and disturbed areas in British
Columbia. The largest infestations are near Kelowna and it has been noted
in the south Okanagan and Keremeos areas.
SPREAD
Common bugloss is spread when seeds are eaten by animals and when
seed-bearing stalks are tumbled in the wind. Vehicles, animal and human
feet, redistribution of soils and gravels, and contaminated hay also spread
the seeds.
