APRIL 2008

Washington State University
WHITMAN COUNTY EXTENSION

STEVE'S

Viper’s Bugloss aka Blueweed

Also Known As:   blueweed, blue devil

Viper’s bugloss is a Class B Weed. In regions where a Class B species is already abundant, control is decided at the local level, with containment as the primary goal.

Viper’s bugloss (Echium Vulgare L.), originating from Eurasia, is a biennial that rep roduces by seed. This invasive plant develops a long, stout taproot that can exceed 2 feet in length. During this weed’s first year it forms a rosette; the second year it bolts and produces flowering stems. Stems are erect and branching and reach about 2½ feet in height. The entire plant is hairy. The stems are covered with two types of hair: stout, spreading hairs with a pustulate base marked by a conspicuous dark fleck, and an underlayer of smaller fine hairs. Stem leaves are alternate, oblong to linear-lanceolate, and progressively smaller up the stem. Leaves have white 'speckles' that give the leaves a dimpled appearance. Flowers are funnel-shaped, 5-petalled, and appear in tapering spike-like heads of bright blue to purple flowers. Flowering occurs from late sprin