Description:
Common bugloss is a perennial herb with a deep taproot. The plant ranges from one to two feet tall, with several flowering stems. The stems and leaves are fleshy, and the overall plant is coarsely hairy. The basal leaves are petiolate (have a leaf stalk), and are narrowly oblong. The leaves along the plant stem are narrow and slightly pointed, with a short petiole. The leaves are progressively smaller up the stem, and the upper leaves are sessile (no petiole), or clasping. The blue to purple flowers have white throats. The petals are five equal lobes, forming an uncurved tube. The flowers are found in cymes, or helicoid clusters, at the end of the stems. As the flowers open, these coils unfold and straighten out. The fruit is a four chambered nutlet; each nutlet contains one seed.

• Mechanical: Unknown.
• Biological: Unknown.
• Herbicide: Common bugloss is susceptible to phenoxy herbicides prior to flowering. The rough, hairy surface requires a surfactant for effective control. Read and follow current herbicide labels and recommendations for control. Refer to the State Noxious Weed Control Board site

For More Information:
Detailed information about Common Bugloss is available at the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board Web Site.