Echium plantagineum L.
Paterson's curse
Hispid annual or biennial herb to c. 90 cm high. Basal lvs to c. 15 × 3.5 cm, linear-lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate; base attenuate and petiolate; apex obtuse; upper cauline lvs smaller, sessile, lanceolate to oblong, ± cordate at base. Infl. with 1-several branches; branches becoming spike-like or paniculate. Calyx 9-12 mm long; lobes linear-lanceolate, much < corolla tube. Corolla 20-30 mm long, funnelform, reddish in bud, becoming purplish blue or blue; upper lobes > lower; 2 stamens long-exserted, others included; filaments deep pink; anthers blue. Nutlets 2-3 mm long, angular.
N.: throughout, particularly N. of the Volcanic Plateau; S.: northern parts, rare.
Mediterranean north to S. England 1880
Waste places, old pastures, roadsides in and around settlements.
FL (Sep)-Dec-Feb- (May).
Poisonous (Connor 1977).
Paterson's curse is not as abundant as the related viper's bugloss and is restricted to warmer areas. Although it is hispid the hairs are softer than those of E. vulgare. It has previously been known in N.Z. as E. lycopsis and was first recorded here as E. violaceum.
