Blueweed
(1B, limited presence in Montana)
(Echium vulgare)
Quick ID
- Dark spots at base of hairs along stem
- Brightly colored blue funnel-shaped flowers
- Five bright pink or red stamens, four long and one short
- Stems and leaves covered in hairs
- Plants can be over 3’ tall
Map Courtesy of Montana Natural Heritage Program, Blueweed – Low Suitability: 16% of Montana, Moderate: 2%, Optimal: 1% Larger image.
Blueweed Plant
Video Information
Weed Images
Weed Specifications
| Type | Information |
| Toxicity | Toxic to livestock, contains alkaloids that can cause liver failure, but unpalatable |
| Best Management Practices | Hand pulling, herbicide treatments, not shade tolerant *See management plan below |
| Habitat | Disturbed, overgrazed areas with course, low-fertility soils |
| Root | Dark taproot with some fibrous lateral roots |
| Leaves | Hairy, linear, lance-shaped leaves, alternate, becoming smaller toward the top of the stem |
| Lifespan | Biennial or sometimes short-lived perennial, only reproduces by seed |
| Similar Looking Plants | Waxleaf penstemon, Phacelia species, common bugloss, houndstongue, none of which have spotted stems |
| Important Information | Flowers can also be purple or pink or rarely white, average 1,800 seeds per plant, also called Viper’s Bugloss, wear gloves and long sleeves when pulling due to the fiberglass-like hairs |
Find Out More...
To Report, Contact:
Kellieann Morris
Ravalli County Noxious Weed Coordinator
Montana Blueweed Task Force Coordinator
Phone: 406-777-5842
E-mail: kmorris@rc.mt.gov
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