Echium vulgare -- Oregon

Evaluation Summary

Evaluation Date: 2022-12-22

Screener: Justine Casebolt

Plant: Echium vulgare

Common Name(s):

Viper's Bugloss, Blueweed

State: Oregon

PRE Score: 19

Questions Answered: 20

Screener Confidence (%): 81

Executive Summary

Commonly known as blueweed or viper's bugloss, Echium vulgare is a biennial or short-lived monocarpic perennial herb that is native to Britain and Europe. It has been introduced and become naturalized to New Zealand, North America, Australia, and Chile. It is noted as being invasive in Australia, New Zealand, Chile, and the US. Another species from the same genus, Echium plantagineum is also found to be invasive in Australia. Echium vulgare is widespread and can tolerate a variety of climates. Echium vulgare has the potential to displace or dominate native plants, but this depends on the region. In southern Australia, plant diversity did not decrease with the presence of Echium vulgare, but in New South Whales, it was found to form dense stands in higher elevations. Echium vulgare foliage has prickly hairs, which has been shown to discourage animal consumption. Furthermore, it does produce toxic chemicals including pyrrolizidine alkaloids and N-oxidies, but there is a lack of evidence showing that Echium vulgare poses likely harm to animals or humans since consumption is rare. Echium vulgare commonly produces viable seeds, which is its only form of reproduction. Plants can produce thousands of seeds, but seed production does vary by region and depend on environmental conditions. The seeds float and can be dispersed long distances by water, animal fur, vehicles, or farm equipment. The seeds usually fall within five meters of the plant so long distance wind dispersal is rare. Although there was some conflicting evidence in this evaluation, the PRE score is 19, which puts it at the high potential risk level.

Climate Matching Map

Climate Matching Map PDF

Attachment	Size
ClimateMatch_Oregon_Echium_vulgare.pdf (1.21 MB)	1.21 MB

1. Question 1

Yes or No

Yes

Points

1

Confidence

Very High

Answer / Justification

Echium vulgare, commonly known as blueweed or Viper's Bugloss, is native to Britain and Europe (Willis and Forrester, 2000). It is a biennial or short-lived monocarpic perennial herb (Klemow et al., 2002). It has been introduced and become naturalized to New Zealand, North America, and Australia, including New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania (Shaik et al., 2016; Willis & Forrester, 2000; Klemow et al., 2002; Hock et al., 2015). In the 18th century, it was introduced and is now naturalized in the US (Mack, 2003). Also, it has become naturalized in Chile (Carvallo et al., 2013).

Reference(s)

Willis, A. J, J. Memmott, and R. I Forrester. 2000. “Is There Evidence for the Post-Invasion Evolution of Increased Size Among Invasive Plant Species?”. Ecology Letters 3: 275-83. doi:10.1046/j.1461-0248.2000.00149.x.

Klemow, Kenneth M., David R. Clements, Paul F. Threadgill, and Paul B. Cavers. 2002. “The Biology of Canadian Weeds. 116. \textitEchium Vulgare L”. Canadian Journal of Plant Science 82: 235-48. doi:10.4141/P01-058.

Shaik, Razia S., Xiaocheng Zhu, David R. Clements, and Leslie A. Weston. 2016. “Understanding Invasion History and Predicting Invasive Niches Using Genetic Sequencing Technology in Australia: Case Studies from Cucurbitaceae and Boraginaceae”. Conservation Physiology 4: cow030. doi:10.1093/conphys/cow030.

Mack, Richard N. 2003. “Plant Naturalizations and Invasions in the Eastern United States: 1634-1860”. Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden 90: 77-90. doi:10.2307/3298528.

Hock, Maria, Michael Beckmann, Rainer R. Hofmann, Helge Bruelheide, and Alexandra Erfmeier. 2015. “Effects of UV-B Radiation on Germination Characteristics in Invasive Plants in New Zealand”. NeoBiota 26: 21-37. doi:10.3897/neobiota.26.4405.

Carvallo, Gastón O, Medel Rodrigo, and Luis Navarro. 2013. “Assessing the Effects of Native Plants on the Pollination of an Exotic Herb, the Blueweed Echium Vulgare (Boraginaceae)”. Arthropod-Plant Interactions 7: 475-84. doi:10.1007/s11829-013-9265-0.

2. Question 2

Yes or No

Yes

Points

2

Confidence

Very High

Answer / Justification

Yes, it is noted as being naturalized in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand in areas with similar climate to Oregon (temperate mountain and temperate desert, from zone 4 to 11) (Mack, 2003; Shaik et al., 2016; Willis & Forrester, 2000; Klemow et al., 2002; Hock et al., 2015). Based on the climate matching tool, populations have been found in Washington, Idaho, Utah, and throughout the eastern US in areas with similar climate to Oregon.

Reference(s)

Shaik, Razia S., Xiaocheng Zhu, David R. Clements, and Leslie A. Weston. 2016. “Understanding Invasion History and Predicting Invasive Niches Using Genetic Sequencing Technology in Australia: Case Studies from Cucurbitaceae and Boraginaceae”. Conservation Physiology 4: cow030. doi:10.1093/conphys/cow030.

Mack, Richard N. 2003. “Plant Naturalizations and Invasions in the Eastern United States: 1634-1860”. Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden 90: 77-90. doi:10.2307/3298528.

Willis, A. J, J. Memmott, and R. I Forrester. 2000. “Is There Evidence for the Post-Invasion Evolution of Increased Size Among Invasive Plant Species?”. Ecology Letters 3: 275-83. doi:10.1046/j.1461-0248.2000.00149.x.

Klemow, Kenneth M., David R. Clements, Paul F. Threadgill, and Paul B. Cavers. 2002. “The Biology of Canadian Weeds. 116. \textitEchium Vulgare L”. Canadian Journal of Plant Science 82: 235-48. doi:10.4141/P01-058.

“Echium Vulgare L. GBIF”. n.d. https://www.gbif.org/species/2925892.

Hock, Maria, Michael Beckmann, Rainer R. Hofmann, Helge Bruelheide, and Alexandra Erfmeier. 2015. “Effects of UV-B Radiation on Germination Characteristics in Invasive Plants in New Zealand”. NeoBiota 26: 21-37. doi:10.3897/neobiota.26.4405.

3. Question 3

Yes or No

Yes

Points

2

Confidence

Very High

Answer / Justification

Yes, it is noted as being invasive in Australia (Shaik et al., 2016), New Zealand (Hock et al., 2015), Chile (Carvallo et al., 2013), and the US (Mack, 2003). It is noted as invasive due to it's higher germination success over the non-invasive species and ability to form mono-specific patches (Hock et al., 2015; Carvallo et al., 2013).

Reference(s)

Hock, Maria, Michael Beckmann, Rainer R. Hofmann, Helge Bruelheide, and Alexandra Erfmeier. 2015. “Effects of UV-B Radiation on Germination Characteristics in Invasive Plants in New Zealand”. NeoBiota 26: 21-37. doi:10.3897/neobiota.26.4405.

Shaik, Razia S., Xiaocheng Zhu, David R. Clements, and Leslie A. Weston. 2016. “Understanding Invasion History and Predicting Invasive Niches Using Genetic Sequencing Technology in Australia: Case Studies from Cucurbitaceae and Boraginaceae”. Conservation Physiology 4: cow030. doi:10.1093/conphys/cow030.

Mack, Richard N. 2003. “Plant Naturalizations and Invasions in the Eastern United States: 1634-1860”. Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden 90: 77-90. doi:10.2307/3298528.

Carvallo, Gastón O, Medel Rodrigo, and Luis Navarro. 2013. “Assessing the Effects of Native Plants on the Pollination of an Exotic Herb, the Blueweed Echium Vulgare (Boraginaceae)”. Arthropod-Plant Interactions 7: 475-84. doi:10.1007/s11829-013-9265-0.

4. Question 4

Yes or No

Yes

Points

3

Confidence

Very High

Answer / Justification

Yes, it is noted as being invasive in the US, Australia, and New Zealand in areas with similar climate to Oregon (Mack, 2003; Shaik et al., 2016; Hock et al., 2015). It is noted as invasive due to it's higher germination success over the non-invasive species and ability to form mono-specific patches (Hock et al., 2015; Carvallo et al., 2013).

Reference(s)

Hock, Maria, Michael Beckmann, Rainer R. Hofmann, Helge Bruelheide, and Alexandra Erfmeier. 2015. “Effects of UV-B Radiation on Germination Characteristics in Invasive Plants in New Zealand”. NeoBiota 26: 21-37. doi:10.3897/neobiota.26.4405.

Shaik, Razia S., Xiaocheng Zhu, David R. Clements, and Leslie A. Weston. 2016. “Understanding Invasion History and Predicting Invasive Niches Using Genetic Sequencing Technology in Australia: Case Studies from Cucurbitaceae and Boraginaceae”. Conservation Physiology 4: cow030. doi:10.1093/conphys/cow030.

Mack, Richard N. 2003. “Plant Naturalizations and Invasions in the Eastern United States: 1634-1860”. Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden 90: 77-90. doi:10.2307/3298528.

Carvallo, Gastón O, Medel Rodrigo, and Luis Navarro. 2013. “Assessing the Effects of Native Plants on the Pollination of an Exotic Herb, the Blueweed Echium Vulgare (Boraginaceae)”. Arthropod-Plant Interactions 7: 475-84. doi:10.1007/s11829-013-9265-0.

5. Question 5

Yes or No

Yes

Points

1

Confidence

Very High

Answer / Justification

Yes, Echium plantagineum is found in areas with similar climate to Oregon. Echium plantagineum is invasive in Australia, which has regions in the southeast that are similar in climate to Oregon (Konarzewski et al., 2012; Randall, 2017; Shaik et al., 2016).

Reference(s)

Konarzewski, Tara K., Brad R. Murray, and Robert C. Godfree. 2012. “Rapid Development of Adaptive, Climate-Driven Clinal Variation in Seed Mass in the Invasive Annual Forb Echium Plantagineum L”. PLOS ONE 7: e49000. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0049000.

Randall, R. P. 2017. “A Global Compendium of Weeds. Third Edition”. Dept. of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/313645439_A_Global_Compendium_of_Weeds_Third_Edition.

Shaik, Razia S., Xiaocheng Zhu, David R. Clements, and Leslie A. Weston. 2016. “Understanding Invasion History and Predicting Invasive Niches Using Genetic Sequencing Technology in Australia: Case Studies from Cucurbitaceae and Boraginaceae”. Conservation Physiology 4: cow030. doi:10.1093/conphys/cow030.

6. Question 6

Yes or No

No

Points

0

Confidence

High

Answer / Justification

Echium vulgare is widespread and less than half of the regions where it grows match the Oregon climate.

Reference(s)

“Echium Vulgare L. GBIF”. n.d. https://www.gbif.org/species/2925892.

7. Question 7

Yes or No

Yes

Points

1

Confidence

Medium

Answer / Justification

In southern Australia, plant diversity did not decrease when Echium vulgare was present (Zhu et al., 2017). In New South Whales, it can form dense stands at higher elevations (P. Cavers, pers. obs. as cited in Klemow et al. 2002) so there is potential for it to displace natives, but the evidence is lacking. In central Chile, it is noted as forming mono-specific patches (Carvallo et al., 2013). Based on the evidence, the potential for Echium vulgare to displace natives can be inferred and seems to vary depending on the region, which is why the confidence level is medium.

Reference(s)

No references cited.

8. Question 8

Yes or No

No

Points

0

Confidence

Medium

Answer / Justification

Echium vulgare is a perennial herb that grows between 30 and 100 cm in height and produces 1-20 branching flowering stems. (Klemow et al., 2002). Is has oblanceolate rosette leaves with stems that contain fine hairs (Klemow et al., 2002). It grows primarily in temperate regions with moist climates (Klemow et al., 2002). Based on these characteristics there likely is a low probability that Echium vulgare promotes fire or changes fire regime, but there is a lack of evidence to support this.

Reference(s)

Klemow, Kenneth M., David R. Clements, Paul F. Threadgill, and Paul B. Cavers. 2002. “The Biology of Canadian Weeds. 116. \textitEchium Vulgare L”. Canadian Journal of Plant Science 82: 235-48. doi:10.4141/P01-058.

9. Question 9

Yes or No

Yes

Points

1

Confidence

Medium

Answer / Justification

Echium vulgare produces pyrrolizidine alkaloids and N-oxidies (PANOs), which are toxic (Shoneczby et al., 2015; Zhu et al., 2017). Shoneczby et al. (2015) found high quantities of Erchimidine and echiumine N-oxides in Echium vulgare, which are toxic to grazing herbivores; however, the foliage and stems of Echium vulgare has prickly hairs, which discourages herbivore consumption (Marie Victorin, 1995 as cited in Klemow et al., 2002). According to Klemow et al., there have been no published reports of consumption by mammals and I did not find any additional evidence of this. However, it has the ability to cause harm through contract injury (via stem hairs) and consumption, but it is not a serious competitor to cultivated crops (Klemow et al. 2002. In central Chile, it is noted as forming mono-specific patches (Carvallo et al., 2013). Based on the evidence, the potential for Echium vulgare to impact grazing systems can be inferred, but seems to vary depending on the region.

Reference(s)

No references cited.

10. Question 10

Yes or No

No

Points

0

Confidence

Medium

Answer / Justification

Echium vulgare is an herb that grows between 30 and 100 centimeters in height (Klemow et al., 2002). Based on these characteristics, it can be inferred that Echium vulgare does not block or slow animal or human movement. There is a lack of evidence that claims it can block movement, which is why the confidence level is medium.

Reference(s)

Klemow, Kenneth M., David R. Clements, Paul F. Threadgill, and Paul B. Cavers. 2002. “The Biology of Canadian Weeds. 116. \textitEchium Vulgare L”. Canadian Journal of Plant Science 82: 235-48. doi:10.4141/P01-058.

11. Question 11

Yes or No

No

Points

0

Confidence

High

Answer / Justification

According to Klemow et al. (2002), Echium vulgare does not reproduce or spread vegetatively.

Reference(s)

Klemow, Kenneth M., David R. Clements, Paul F. Threadgill, and Paul B. Cavers. 2002. “The Biology of Canadian Weeds. 116. \textitEchium Vulgare L”. Canadian Journal of Plant Science 82: 235-48. doi:10.4141/P01-058.

12. Question 12

Yes or No

No

Points

0

Confidence

Medium

Answer / Justification

Echium vulgare does not spread vegetatively, reproduction occurs through seed (Klemow et al., 2002; van Breemen 1984). There is a lack of evidence to suggest that detached fragments are capable of producing new plants.

Reference(s)

No references cited.

13. Question 13

Yes or No

Yes

Points

1

Confidence

Very High

Answer / Justification

In a seed germination study in the Netherlands, van Breemen (1984) studied Echium vulgare in natural conditions and found that 85% of the seeds germinated at a soil depth of 2 cm. Viable seeds were found at soil depths of 15 cm, but were mostly found within the top 1 cm.

Reference(s)

van Breemen, A. M. M. 1984. “Comparative Germination Ecology of Three Short-Lived Monocarpic Boraginaceae”. Acta Botanica Neerlandica 33: 283-305. https://natuurtijdschriften.nl/pub/540514.

14. Question 14

Yes or No

Yes

Points

1

Confidence

Medium

Answer / Justification

Yes, Echium vulgare is capable of producing thousands of seeds per plant, however, seed production can vary (van Breemen, 1984; Klemow et al., 2002). In Ontario, Threadgill (1986) found 25 plants that contained an average of 1200 flowers, which would produce an average of 1800 seeds under the assumption that each flower produces an average of 1.5 seeds. Conversely, Klemow and Raynal (1985) found that Echium vulgare only produced 150 to 370 viable seeds, but these plants were from an abandoned limestone quarry in Syracuse, New York.

Reference(s)

van Breemen, A. M. M. 1984. “Comparative Germination Ecology of Three Short-Lived Monocarpic Boraginaceae”. Acta Botanica Neerlandica 33: 283-305. https://natuurtijdschriften.nl/pub/540514.

Threadgill, Paul F. 1986. “Variations in the Biennial Life History Strategy Among 15 Ruderal Species in an Abandoned Gravel Pit Near London, Ontario”. Canada \textendash Ontario, CA. https://www.proquest.com/docview/303455557/abstract/7CDF949C888D499EPQ/1.

Klemow, Kenneth M., David R. Clements, Paul F. Threadgill, and Paul B. Cavers. 2002. “The Biology of Canadian Weeds. 116. \textitEchium Vulgare L”. Canadian Journal of Plant Science 82: 235-48. doi:10.4141/P01-058.

Klemow, Kenneth M., and Dudley J. Raynal. 1985. “Demography of Two Facultative Biennial Plant Species in an Unproductive Habitat”. The Journal of Ecology 73: 147. doi:10.2307/2259775.

15. Question 15

Yes or No

Yes

Points

1

Confidence

High

Answer / Justification

Van Breemen (1984) evaluated Echium vulgare germination in natural conditions and found that 85% of the seeds germinated at a soil depth of 2 cm. In comparing a variety of temperature and moisture conditions, van Breemen found that Echium vulgare germinated quickly, with the highest percentage of germination between 20-30C and 6-12% soil moisture.

Reference(s)

van Breemen, A. M. M. 1984. “Comparative Germination Ecology of Three Short-Lived Monocarpic Boraginaceae”. Acta Botanica Neerlandica 33: 283-305. https://natuurtijdschriften.nl/pub/540514.

16. Question 16

Yes or No

Yes

Points

1

Confidence

Very High

Answer / Justification

It is a biennial or short-lived monocarpic perennial herb and is capable of producing thousands of seeds per plant, however, seed production can vary (van Breemen, 1984; Klemow et al., 2002). In natural conditions, found that 85% of Echium vulgare seeds germinated at a soil depth of 2 cm (van Breemen, 1984). Based on this research, it can be inferred that it produces viable seeds within the first 3 years after germination.

Reference(s)

No references cited.

17. Question 17

Yes or No

Yes

Points

1

Confidence

High

Answer / Justification

Echium vulgare begin to flower in May and will bloom through late summer (Kuppler et al., 2023). According to Klemow et al. (2002), Echium vulgare flowers from early June through mid-September and seed dispersal occurs from August through November.

Reference(s)

No references cited.

18. Question 18

Yes or No

Yes

Points

1

Confidence

High

Answer / Justification

Yes, the seeds can be transported by attaching to the fur of animals (Threadgill, 1986). In addition, seeds can remain in the calyx of the plant and can attach to animal fur (Salisbury, 1961 as cited in Klemow et al., 2002).

Reference(s)

No references cited.

19. Question 19

Yes or No

Yes

Points

1

Confidence

High

Answer / Justification

Echium vulgare seeds do have the ability to float, therefore, can be transported long distances via flood or rainwater. Long distance wind transport is limited, the seeds typically fall within 5 meters of the plant.

Reference(s)

Threadgill, Paul F. 1986. “Variations in the Biennial Life History Strategy Among 15 Ruderal Species in an Abandoned Gravel Pit Near London, Ontario”. Canada \textendash Ontario, CA. https://www.proquest.com/docview/303455557/abstract/7CDF949C888D499EPQ/1.

20. Question 20

Yes or No

Yes

Points

1

Confidence

High

Answer / Justification

Yes, seeds can be dispersed long distances by vehicles and farm equipment.

Reference(s)

Threadgill, Paul F. 1986. “Variations in the Biennial Life History Strategy Among 15 Ruderal Species in an Abandoned Gravel Pit Near London, Ontario”. Canada \textendash Ontario, CA. https://www.proquest.com/docview/303455557/abstract/7CDF949C888D499EPQ/1.

Total PRE Score

PRE Score

19

Questions Answered

20

Screener Confidence (%)

81

PRE Score Legend

The PRE Score is calculated by adding the point totals for each (answered) question.

< 13 : Low Potential Risk
13 - 15 : Moderate Potential Risk
> 15 : High Potential Risk

Questions Answered Legend

It is important to answer at least 16 questions to consider a PRE Score as "valid".

≥ 16 : Valid (80% or more questions answered)
≤ 15 : Invalid (not enough questions answered)

Evaluation Credits and Citation

Screener: Justine Casebolt

Below is a recommend citation when referencing this evaluation in other works:

Casebolt, Justine. "Echium vulgare -- Oregon" Plant Risk Evaluator (PRE) published 2022-12-22 https://pretool.org/evaluations/1806

Please cite this evaluation. We need your support here!

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Evaluation Reviewers

	Jutta Burger	reviewed on 2023-02-17
	Troy Abercrombie	reviewed on 2023-02-14
	Nicole Valentine	reviewed on 2023-01-10
	Alex Simmons	reviewed on 2023-01-06

Associated Project

2022 Western IPM Grant Project

"Expanding Continuity and Capacity in Invasive Plant Risk Assessments across Western States" is a continuation of the successful 2021 project titled "Building Continuity Across State Invasvie Plant Lists: Evaluating Invasive Risk of Horticultural Plants." Both 2021 and 2022's projects are funded by the Western Integrated Pest Management Center. Project partners for this year inclue the California Invasive Plant Council, PlantRight, The University of Arizona, Western Invasive Species Network, Pacific Northwest Invasive Species Council, the Yurok Tribe, and Nevada State Parks.

Associated Organizations, Agencies, and Institutions

Cascade Pacific Resource Conservation & Development

Portland State University