Overview
Buglossoides arvensis is an annual or winter-annual herb in the borage family (Boraginaceae), growing 4-24 inches (10-60 cm) tall on erect, slender stems that branch mainly toward the top and are covered with stiff, short hairs. The alternate leaves are narrow, oblong to linear, 0.5-2 inches (1.5-5 cm) long, stalkless, and rough to the touch from appressed bristles. Small funnel-shaped flowers about 0.2-0.3 inch (5-7 mm) across are white, occasionally tinged pale blue, and open a few at a time in leafy, coiling clusters at the stem tips. Each flower produces up to four hard, wrinkled, grayish-brown nutlets that are pitted and roughened on the surface. Germinating in fall or early spring, the plant flowers, sets seed, and dies within a single season. It is a common weed of grain fields, fallow ground, and roadsides, where it competes with winter cereals. One limitation for control is its abundant, long-lived seed, which can persist in the soil for years.
Native Range
Buglossoides arvensis is native to Europe and western Asia. It has naturalized widely across North America and other temperate regions, where it appears as a weed of cultivated fields, especially winter grain crops, as well as roadsides and disturbed ground.Suggested Uses
This species is not cultivated and is encountered as an agricultural and roadside weed. The seeds are rich in oil and have drawn some interest as a source of plant-based fatty acids. In a reference context it represents the weedy gromwells of the Boraginaceae.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 2'
Width/Spread4" - 10"
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in spring, mainly April through June, with plants from fall germination blooming earliest. The small white flowers open over several weeks in coiling clusters. Nutlets ripen soon after and shed as the plant dries.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to pale blueFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established