Echium vulgare

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.