Paterson's curse

Family: Boraginaceae
Scientific name: Echium plantagineum
Description: Plant Form Erect annual herb. Size Up to 1.5 m tall. Stem Several green hairy erect flowering stems per plant. Leaves Egg shaped hairy up to 30 cm long in rosette at base, stem leaves smaller and narrower, also hairy. Flowers Usually purple, but also blue or white. 2-3 cm long. Trumpet shaped with 5 stamens, 2 of which protrude out of flower. Fruit and Seeds Dark brown or grey with roughened coat. Up to 4 per flower. Habitat Wide habitat tolerance, can grow almost anywhere in Australia. Prefers winter-rainfall areas. Roadsides and agricultural areas. Distinguishing Features Distinguished from Vipers bugloss (Echium vulgare) by fewer stamens protruding outside flower. Impacts Outcompetes and replaces crops, pasture or native vegetation. Can be toxic to stock in high doses.

Example images for this weed