Family
Boraginaceae
Distribution in Canada
Found in Canada
Duration of life cycle
Biennial or short-lived perennial
Seed/Fruit type
- nutlet - a one-seeded, dry fruit with a thick shell
- nutlets develop in groups of 4
Seed identification features
Size
- length: 2.5–3.0 mm
- width: 1.25–1.5 mm
Shape
- in outline: angular (diamond-shaped)
- in cross-section: triangular
Surface texture
- densely covered with small bumps
- overlain with large, wart-like projections
- overall surface is glossy
Colour
- medium brown, dark brown between wart-like projections
Other structures
- flat basal area is distinctive: dull, roughened and brown, with 2 peg-like projections and an open hilum
Similar species
Corn gromwell (Buglossoides arvensis)
- found in BC, MB, ON, QC, NS, and across the United States
- similar to blueweed in size, brown colour and triangular shape (corn gromwell nutlets are not as strongly angled)
- rounded base
Gromwell (Lithospermum officinale)
- found in MB, ON, QC, NB, and the northeastern United States
- whitish colour
- similar to blueweed in size and triangular shape (gromwell nutlets are more rounded)
- rounded base
Photos
Similar species
