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small bugloss

Scientific Name: Anchusa arvensis

Family: Boraginaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names:

       

Small Bugloss (Anchusa arvensis)

Anchusa arvensis, commonly known as small bugloss or annual bugloss, is a plant species belonging to the genus Anchusa.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant is described as hairy and rough to the touch due to bristly hairs covering the stems and leaves.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant is described as hairy and rough to the touch due to bristly hairs covering the stems and leaves.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Anchusa arvensis (L.) Bieb.
  • Common Names: Small Bugloss, Annual Bugloss
  • Family: Boraginaceae (Borage Family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Synonyms: Lycopsis arvensis L.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Europe.
  • Widespread invasive species in North America and many other parts of the world.
  • Often found as a weed in arable fields.

Ecological Role

  • Considered an invasive species in many regions.
  • Can be a weedy pest to agricultural crops in North America.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Annual herb.
  • Grows to a height of approximately one half to one meter.
  • Taproot is short and straight.
  • Hairy plant, rough to the touch.
  • Stems and leaves are covered in prickly hairs.
  • Small flowers, often bright blue.
  • Leaves are wavy and toothed with rigid hairs that have bulbous bases.
  • Reproduces by seed.
  • May germinate in fall or spring.
  • Plants grow 6 to 24 inches tall, with branching erect or sprawling habits.

Quirky Facts

  • Annual bugloss is noted to be more leafy than flowery.
  • Each flower has a curved neck, leading to its foreign name "crooked neck".