Anchusa arvensis


Anchusa arvensis is a plant species of the genus Anchusa. Its common names include small bugloss and annual bugloss.

Description

This is a hairy annual herb which may reach half a meter in height. It bears small blue tubular flowers, four nutlets per flower, and one seed per nutlet. Leaves are very bristly and warty-looking, which differentiates it from similar species like Pentaglottis sempervirens and Myosotis arvensis.

Distribution and Habitat

The plant is native to Europe but is well-known elsewhere as a noxious weed.
Anchusa arvensis is found in arable field margins, sandy heaths, disturbed ground.
In the UK it is a declining species with patchy distribution, however conservation status as of 2005 is least concern.
Anchusa arvensis flowers April to September in the UK.