Annual Bugloss (Anchusa arvensis)
As the name suggests, this is an annual plant. Like many of the noxious weeds on our list, this weed likes to grow along roadsides, field edges, waste areas and areas where the soil has been disturbed. Some distinctive characteristics of this plant are the fuzzy leaves and blue tube-shaped flowers. Annual bugloss is a Class B weed on our list. This means that this plant is not as widespread as Class C weeds, but it has been seen here. Recently, there have been some sightings along Road 23 near Pinto Ridge Road.
Annual bugloss reproduces only by seed, which puts out about 250 seeds per plant. On average, 90 percent of these seeds are viable in the soil after three years. This plant can be a serious problem in cropland and high numbers can reduce yield in lentils and peas. Annual bugloss can also seed out when it is small and hard to see, which makes early detection harder but even more important for this plant. Like a good number of plants on our list, annual bugloss is native to Europe.
So how do we control this pesky weed? Because this is an annual plant, mechanical control such as cultivation, pulling, etc. can work to control this plant. Mowing is never as effective as these other mechanical control methods, because it leaves the root intact each time they are cut. Also, some plants will actually seed out at a shorter height if they are mowed constantly. This means that mowing can be almost ineffective in some cases. The biggest thing to worry about with mechanical control measures though is to make sure that the equipment used is cleaned afterwards to make sure no new infestation sites are created from seeds or plant material stuck to the equipment.
Wildflower seed mixes are another thing to watch out for, as noxious weeds can be spread this way. Because annual bugloss is a member of the Boraginaceae family, the flower has a distinctive tube shape. Before the flowers are fully grown, they are coiled up near the stem like a fiddleneck. These flowers will uncurl as the flowers open up.
One interesting fact about this plant is that the roots can be used as a red or purple dye. Annual bugloss can reach heights of about one foot. Keep an eye out for this plant growing on your field edges and get rid of it ASAP if you find it. Let us know if you have any questions about controlling or identifying this plant. Give the office a call at (509) 754-2011 Ext. 4710 or visit our website at www.grantcountyweedboard.org for more information.
Contact the weed board for control and chemical recommendations at (509) 754-2011, Ext. 4710, or visit our website at www.grantcountyweedboard.org.