Paterson's Curse
Echium plantagineum
Description
A one- to three-feet tall, erect annual or biennial with many branches and an abundance of stout hairs on stems and leaves. Basal or rosette leaves are broad and hairy with distinct veins and wavy margins. The flowers are five-petaled, often blue-purple in color (although sometimes pink or white), and are borne on a fiddleneck-like inflorescence.Habitat
Potential to invade oak woodlands, native prairie, and dry upland slopesDistribution
Douglas and Linn Counties, ORImpacts
Poisonous to grazing animals, displaces desirable and native plants, allergen to humansDispersal Methods
Vehicles, farm implements, humans, animals, water, wind, hay, silage, and as a contaminant of commercial seed; found in wildflower mixes in OregonListings
ODA's A List and OISC's 100 Most Dangerous InvadersFactsheets
ODA's Profile of Paterson's Curse
Photos
Distribution Map
Other Links
North West Weeds (Australia) Control Methods for Paterson's Curse