File:Echium plantagineum flowerhead7 CWS 01.jpg

English: Introduced, cool-season, annual or biennial herb; initially forming rosettes, then producing erect flowering stems to 1.2m tall. Rosette leaves are obovate to oblanceolate and densely hairy, with distinct lateral veins. Stem leaves usually have cordate bases. Flowerheads are conical, of many spreading cymes (backward spiraled caterpillar shape). Flowers are zygomorphic, tubular and purplish-blue to purple or pink; 2 stamens are exerted and 3 are not. Flowering is in spring to early summer. Common in grazing land; also along roadsides; more common in poorly managed horse or cattle paddocks. Considered weedy as it has little grazing value & crowds out more productive species. Highly toxic to pigs and horses; only poisonous to sheep after very extended grazing; valued by beekeepers. Best managed using a number of methods (herbicides, grazing, mechanical control). Spray/graze (low rate of herbicide followed by heavy grazing) can be very effective. Spraying once plants are flowering is less effective and will use more herbicide. Biological control options (7 approved) are available; flea beetle, root weevil, crown weevil and pollen beetle are most promising. Repeated slashing may reduce seed set; chipping can be used on small or scattered infestations.