Echium vulgare • Class B

Blueweed stems are covered with short, stiff hairs, with dark flecks at the base of some hairs. Its flowering stems grow from 1 to 3 feet tall.

Leaves are lance shaped and hairy, becoming smaller and stalk-less as they grow alternately up the stem.  Leaves often have dark flecks on the undersides.

Plants bloom from June through August; seeds mature about a month after bloom.

Bright blue, funnel shaped flowers are arranged on the upper side of the stems. Buds are reddish-purple, becoming bright blue at full bloom.

Each plant can produce up to 2,800 seeds that can remain viable in the soil for several years.

Blueweed does well in a variety of soil types, including poor soils, but does not tolerate shade. It

grows on rangeland, rocky pastures, roadsides, waterways, and vacant lots. It is considered

unpalatable to livestock because of its coarse hairs and toxic alkaloids.

• The most effective control of Blueweed is prevention. Above all, prevent plants from going to seed.  Since Blueweed spreads exclusively by seed, hand weed before flowering and seed set to control this species.

• Selective, translocated herbicides containing the active ingredients Picloram and 2, 4 D is most effective when applied in spring to control seedlings, but treatment can be made in mid-summer to fall on established plants.  

• Spot spraying with an herbicide containing the active ingredient glyphosate can also be effective. Glyphosate is non- selective however and will injure any plants that it comes in contact with. Spot applications should be applied at bud stage, prior to blooming. Follow up applications may be necessary.

• When using herbicides, carefully read and follow all label instructions and obey all label precautions. (Note: pesticide product registration is renewed annually and product names and formulations may vary from year to year.)

• To minimize any harmful impact on bees and other pollinators, timing is important.  Ideally, treat plants before blooming.  If treatment after blooming is necessary, do control work early in the morning, or in the evening when bees are less active.

For more information on this noxious weed  Download our Flyer or visit Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board Here. Photo by Leo Michels and Rebecca Shoemaker.