Cat's Tail Echium vulgare

The origin of the name Echium vulgare comes from the word echis, meaning viper.  The nutlet from this plant resembles the head of a viper, while its roots were used to treat snakebites.  

Blueweed is a weedy biennial or annual plant native to Europe and Asia in the borage family. The plant has naturalized in parts of the USA, South America and New Zealand.  When grown as a biennial it will product basal leaves its first year, while flowering will occur in its second year.  The flowers will form along the upper part of the erect stalk.  After flowering, nutlets are formed, at which time the plant will die.

It is found growing in dry pastures, roadsides, waste areas and coastal cliffs, sand dunes and the shingle. It is considered invasive in the state of Washington. It will grow up to 3 feet tall and have spikes of vivid blue flowers in May to September. This plant is poisonous to livestock and humans. The name vulgare means common in Latin.

Gardeners tend to either consider this a beautiful wildflower or a weed. If you desire to grow this plant, it is tolerant of poor soils in full sun and is drought and deer-resistant. Do not over-fertilize or plant in rich soils as this will decrease flowering. Be sure to deadhead spent blooms to prevent aggressive reseeding. Please see native alternatives listed to the left.

This low maintenance plant should be cut back in the late winter months or early spring in order to provide the optimum conditions for a showy display of flowers and foliage.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems.  Slugs are an occasional issue.  The bristly hairs on both the foliage and stem can cause dermatitis for some.

More information on Echium.