Family: Boraginaceae Scientific name: Echium vulgare Description: Plant Form Upright biennial herb. Size Up to 1.2 m tall. Stem Erect, spotty, covered in coarse hairs. Leaves Rosette leaves spear-shaped. Stem leaves narrower. With warty appearance. Flowers 1-2 cm long, blue to purple. 4-5 stamens beyond end of flower. Fruit and Seeds Brown or grey, pyramid shaped, rough. Habitat Prefers winter rainfall areas. Roadsides and agricultural land. Distinguishing Features More warty appearance than Paterson's curse (Echium plantagineum) and with more stamens protruding beyond flower. Impacts Can compete with crops, pasture or native vegetation. Unpalatable to stock and toxic in high doses.