Anchusa arvensis explained

Anchusa arvensis is a plant species of the genus Anchusa. Its common names include small bugloss, annual bugloss, field bugloss and alkanet.[1]

Description

This is a hairy annual herb which may reach half a meter in height. It bears small blue tubular flowers, four nutlets per flower, and one seed per nutlet. Leaves are very bristly and warty-looking, which differentiates it from similar species like Pentaglottis sempervirens and Myosotis arvensis.

Distribution and Habitat

The plant is native to Europe, and is found elsewhere.

Anchusa arvensis is found in arable field margins, sandy heaths, disturbed ground.[2]

In the UK it is a declining species with patchy distribution,[3] however conservation status as of 2005 is least concern.[4]

Anchusa arvensis flowers April to September in the UK.[5]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Bugloss . Wild Flower Web . 10 November 2023.
  2. https://www.naturespot.org.uk/species/bugloss Nature Spot - Bugloss
  3. https://www.naturespot.org.uk/species/bugloss Nature Spot - Bugloss
  4. http://lantlife.love-wildflowers.org.uk/uploads/documents/England_threatened_arable_plants_intro_2015.pdf Plantlife - England's Important Arable Plants
  5. https://www.naturespot.org.uk/species/bugloss Nature Spot - Bugloss