We’re ramping things up for this week’s I Spy…Are you up for the challenge?
Each flower stem starts as a coil,
Then straightens out, roots deep in soil.
I’m not very tall but you better beware,
I’m covered in coarse, prickly hair!
If you guessed Common Bugloss (Anchusa officinalis), you’ve got some mighty fine plant ID skills!
Common Bugloss (SSISC)
Native to the Mediterranean region, Common Bugloss was introduced to both Europe and North America, largely because its roots produce a purplish dye. Today, you may spot this species along roadsides, cultivated fields, pastures, and rangelands, where it has access to ample sunlight but relatively dry soil. It also thrives in disturbed areas with little plant competition.
Common Bugloss is a biennial or perennial herbaceous flowering plant that forms a rosette of basal leaves during its first year of growth and produces flowering stalks in its second year. Initially, Common Bugloss flowers are coiled in clusters at the end of stems, resembling fiddlenecks. After blooming, stems straighten and flowers range from bright blue to purple with distinctive white throats. Fun fact, the name Bugloss is composed of bu-gloss, deriving from the Latin term ox tongue. Some believe this name refers to the curled cluster of flower buds, which has the appearance of a tongue, while others suggest it refers to the roughness of its hairy leaves.
Often, Common Bugloss may be confused with another invasive plant, Blueweed (Echium vulgare). Nonetheless, Blueweed is distinguishable by dark flecks on its stems. To add, Blueweed lacks the distinctive white throats that are found on the flowers of Common Bugloss.
Alas, this plant is known to displace native vegetation, reduce crop yields, and is potentially toxic to humans and wildlife if ingested. But, have no fear! You can effectively dig up small infestations so long as the taproot is cut below the crown. Just be sure to dispose of any invasive species in the garbage, NOT the compost bin!
Thankfully, Common Bugloss is found only in few locations in Squamish and Pemberton. We encourage you to keep your eyes peeled for this plant, as SSISC’s Species Priority List shows we eradicate infestations in Squamish and Pemberton and prevent its spread to Whistler. Think you’ve seen Common Bugloss? Report it!
Don’t forget to check out our monthly I Spy in the Sea to Sky contest! Details below.
I Spy in the Sea to Sky Contest
Guess the invasive species in our I spy in the Sea to Sky, posted every Monday, June through August, to enter the giveaway. Once a month, one lucky commenter will win a packet of native flowers seed mix.
Contest Rules:
- Comment your guess on either Instagram or Facebook to enter
- 1 entry per person per post
- Anyone can play, but only residents of the Sea to Sky region are eligible to win
- Entry will close at 11:59 PM PST on the last day of each month (in this case June 30th)
- Winners will be announced on the first business day of the next month (July 5th) and contacted via their platform of entry
- This giveaway is in no way sponsored or endorsed by Instagram or Facebook
Good luck!
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