Green Alkanet

Pentaglottis sempervirens

Family: Boraginaceae

Other Common Names: evergreen bugloss, evergreen alkanet
Weed class: C
Year Listed: 2022
Native to: Southwestern Europe
Is this Weed Toxic?:

not known to be

Why Is It a Noxious Weed?

How would I identify it?

General Description

Hebaceous perennial that grows up to 3.3 feet (1 meter) tall and has deep, thick roots. Plant parts covered in stiff hairs (hispid).

Flower Description

Flowers grow in terminal and axillary clusters (cymes) on long peduncles (flower stems). Clusters are subtended by a pair of leaf-like bracts. Flowers have 5 petals, are radially symmetrical, are blue with white center, and the petals are fused at the base into a tube. Flower stamens are equal and included down in the tube with the style. Flowers 0.4 inches (8-10 mm) in diameter.

Leaf description

Basal leaves are on long petioles and grow up to 15.75 inches (40 cm) long. Leaves are ovate (egg-shaped), abruptly contracted at the base and have a pointed tip. Leaves are alternately arranged on the stems and become smaller and more sessile going upward.

Fruit Seed Description

There are 4 nutlets produced per flower, ridged with knob-like, stalked bases.

May Be Confused With

Green alkanet can look similar to annual bugloss (Anchusa arvensis), common bugloss (Anchusa officinalis) and blueweed (Echium vulgare), other plants in the Boraginaceae family.

Where does it grow?

Plants grow in partly shaded to shaded sites in garden settings, woodlands and disturbed sites such as roadsides. Noted as growing in lowland western Washington and British Columbia south to California. Local herbarium records, documenting some of infestations of evergreen alkanet, can be viewed here.

How Does it Reproduce?

Plants reproduce by seed.

How Do I Control It?

Though there is no requirement to control this plant, we do recommend removing green alkanet due to its weedy spread.

Plants can be dug up, making sure to remove all or as much of the taproot as possible, as fragments left in the soil can resprout. It is easiest to dig up roots when soil is moist. After removal, make sure to monitor the area for seedlings. If time is limited, prevent seed production by cutting back and removing flowering stems. Monitor the plants for any resprouting flower stems as well.

Large populations could also be treated with a selective broadleaf herbicide. Make sure to read and follow the label on any product you use and contact your county noxious weed coordinator for specific recommendations.