Annual Bugloss

Lycopsis arvensis

Family: Boraginaceae

Other Scientific Names:

Anchusa arvensis

Other Common Names: small bugloss
Weed class: B
Year Listed: 1991
Native to: Europe
Is this Weed Toxic?:

Unknown, many plants in the borage family contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids which are toxic to people and animals.

Why Is It a Noxious Weed?

It can be a serious pest in cropland, particularly small grains. High weed densities can reduce yields in lentils and peas.

How would I identify it?

General Description

Annual bugloss is a leafy, annual herb that is covered in coarse hairs that have swollen bases. Plants typically reach 1 foot in height but can grow taller.

Flower Description

The flowers are arranged in spiral, often branching clusters at the tips of stems that straighten as they mature. Flowers are funnel-formed, have 5 sky-blue petals that fuse to form a bent tube.

Leaf description

The leaves are alternate, slender, lance-shaped and have wavy margins. Leaves are covered in coarse hairs that have swollen bases. They reduce in size going up the stem.

Stem description

Stems typically reach 1 foot tall but may grow up to almost 3 feet tall.

Fruit Seed Description

Each flower produces four nutlets, with each nutlet containing one seed.

Where does it grow?

Annual bugloss is found along roadsides, disturbed habitats, pastures and cultivated fields. Please click here to see a county level distribution map of annual bugloss in Washington.

How Does it Reproduce?

Annual bugloss reproduces by seed. About 250 seeds are produced per plant. 90% of seeds buried 6 deep are viable after three years and 2% remain viable after five years.