Annual bugloss
Anchusa arvensis
Boraginaceae Family

Annual bugloss is an annual weed introduced from Europe, more often found in eastern Washington than in King County.  It tends to show up in disturbed sites, especially with sandy soil, and it can be a serious problem in crops.  The plant is covered with rough hairs and it produces small blue flowers. It is in the same family as the forget-me-not.

Legal status in King County, Washington

Regulated Class B noxious weed. Property owners in King County are required to control this plant.

Additional information on annual bugloss

• Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board
• University of Washington Burke Museum

What to do if you find this plant in King County, Washington

Please notify us if you see annual bugloss growing in King County.  Our program staff can provide the property owner or appropriate public agency with site-specific advice on how best to remove it.  Also, because annual bugloss is not established in King County, we have an opportunity to stop it from spreading if we act quickly.  We map all known locations of regulated noxious weeds such as annual bugloss in order to help us and others locate new infestations in time to control them.

Annual bugloss photos - click thumbnail for larger image