FIG. 22. 



BLUE WEED, VIPER'S BUGLOSS, BLUE THISTLE, OR BLUE DEVIL. 

 Echium vulgare (L). 



A biennial weed naturalized from Europe, with deep tap root, which 

 penetrates to a great depth. During the first year, the portion above 

 ground is a rosette of leaves ; and from the centre of this, next season, 

 bristly, hairy, and erect stems arise one to two and a half feet hrgh. The 

 leaves are oblong, two to six inches in length, with both upper and lower 

 surface hairy. The flowers are numerous, arranged in a rich spire> 

 and are azure blue in color. The seeds are hard and brown in 

 color, with a broad base and angular body \ in. long (Fig. 22, a). An 

 average plant produces 3,500 seeds. The seeds are probably dispersed in 

 winter by the wind, as they remain for a long time on the plant. 



Its names, both Latin and English, are significant of the notion that 

 it was an effectual remedy against the bite of a viper. 



The weed prefers gravelly and lime soils. 



Time of flowering, July- October. 



Time of seeding, August-October. 



Dispersal by seeds, especially in winter when they are blown over 

 the snow. 



Eradication. This weed gives very little trouble in arable land, if 

 the cultivation is at all thorough. In fence corners, on roadsides, and in 

 waste places, cutting below the crown with a spud, is practically the only 

 effective method of destroying the weed. Sometimes, however, this is 

 impracticable, because of the number ; and in such cases, some special 

 treatment, similar to that recommended for the Dock (Fig. 5) may be 

 resorted to. 



