Vipers Bugloss, also known as Blueweed, is a biennial that produces a rosette in its first year and tall flower stalks in its second year. The leaves and stems are covered with stiff hairs. The long, dark tap root dies out after the second season.
It was introduced from Europe, and it grows best in sunny areas, such as meadows, overgrazed pastures, poorly drained slopes and roadsides. It usually will not do well in cultivated ground.
The flowers are bright blue with hot pink stamens and bloom June to September. Blueweed spreads from seed. Most of the seeds fall to the ground near the parent plant, but the rough seeds can stick to clothing, animal fur, and feathers and be carried to a new site.
NON-CHEMICAL CONTROL:
- Early detection is the best prevention. Destroy plants before they become invasive. Cut, bag and destroy flower heads when they appear.
- Digging or mowing plants throughout the growing season is very effective.
- Fertilize! Noxious weeds do not like fertile soil but grasses do. When grasses thrive, weeds don’t.
- No Bio-controls are being used in our area at this time.
CHEMICAL CONTROL:
- Several chemicals will work to control blueweed. Treatment works best in spring when the plant is young. Check with your local Noxious Weed Control Office for more detailed information.
PLEASE NOTE – The proper use and application of herbicides can be an effective way to control and eradicate noxious and invasive plants. Before using herbicides, always carefully follow the label and safety instructions on the label. While we recommend the use of herbicides as one of the effective tools for integrated pest management, the Idaho Weed Awareness Campaign assumes no liability for herbicide applications.