Paterson's curse (Echium plantagineum) is a strongly competitive weed in the borage family (Boraginaceae). This species degrades pastures, reduces crop yields and contaminates seed and hay. The plants contain alkaloids that can be toxic to people and livestock if consumed in significant amounts. Paterson's curse could potentially impact Canada's honey industry, as the alkaloids can contaminate honey when bees forage on its nectar.
Report a Paterson's curse sighting
Where it's found
Paterson's curse has been found in several provinces in Canada but has not become established. Native to the Mediterranean region, Paterson's curse been introduced worldwide and become invasive in Australia, South Africa, parts of South America, and the state of California in the United States. Within these areas, Paterson's curse is found in pastures, roadsides and waste places.
How to spot it
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Growth habit -
Seedling -
Rosette -
Stem -
Flower and stamens -
Seeds
Paterson's curse is an annual or biennial herbaceous plant that produces large, flat rosettes. As plants mature, the rosettes give rise to stems that are usually 20-60 cm tall and are covered with white bristles. The leaves are hairy and vary in shape; rosette leaves are broadly ovate whereas stem leaves are smaller and narrower. Paterson's curse produces purple, trumpet-shaped flowers and rough-textured seeds.
Common viper's bugloss (Echium vulgare) is a similar species found in Canada. These two species can be distinguished by the number of stamens protruding beyond their flower petals: two for Paterson's curse and four for common viper's bugloss.
How it spreads
Paterson's curse has been intentionally introduced into many countries as an ornamental, forage, medicinal or bee plant. Once introduced, seeds spread by animals and in association with seed, hay, grain, soil, gravel, vehicles and equipment. The seeds are produced over much of the growing season, resulting in large seed banks, and can survive up to 10 years in the soil.
What you can do
- Maintain healthy and diverse pastures
- Use clean grain, hay and straw
- Use clean, high-quality seed that is certified if possible
- Ensure machinery, vehicles and tools are free of soil and plant parts before moving them from one area to another
- Avoid planting or distributing invasive plants in your garden
- Do not dump garden waste in parks, fields, forests or other natural areas
- If you think you've spotted it or see it for sale in Canada, report a Paterson's curse sighting to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). We will follow up and determine if further action is needed.
What we are doing
Paterson's curse is regulated as a pest in Canada under the Plant Protection Act. It is also listed as a prohibited noxious weed in the Weed Seeds Order, 2016 under the Seeds Act. Importation and domestic movement of regulated plants and their propagative parts is prohibited.
- RMD-13-04: Consolidated Pest Risk Management Document for pest plants regulated by Canada
- D-12-01 Phytosanitary Requirements to Prevent the Introduction of Plants Regulated as Pests in Canada
More information
- Weed seed: Paterson's curse
- Invasive plants field guide
- Learn more about invasive species