Plant identification

[markypoo]

Hi all
I am trying to identify this plant. I am thinking it is Vipers Bugloss. Can anyone confirm?

 

[yesbut]

Agree....Viper's Bugloss

 

[mischief]

....thought it wasnt but now am thinking it would be good to see it in flower

 

[markypoo]

Agree....Viper's Bugloss

I have a block of land in Central Otago. 8.5ha. Covered in the stuff. Some really thick patches. I don't mind it as there is certainly plenty for the bees. The neighbours blocks are covered in it too. There was a blue haze last summer and kept the bees happy. Though the honey is a bit startling, flavourwise, when fresh. I want to irrigate a ha or two of the block so I can run a few sheep eventually. Would prefer a bit less of this and more subterranean clover. So I want to control it. Don't mind spot spraying the big ones with as inoffensive herbicide as I can find before it starts flowering.
I know its going to take me years to get it under control but it is going to be a while before we get to live there permanently so no rush.

 

[yesbut]

We'll see about the no rush bit once you've had a good dose of the stuff in your autumn socks...gaiter's required.

 

[markypoo]

We'll see about the no rush bit once you've had a good dose of the stuff in your autumn socks...gaiter's required.

Yes, thats part of my thinking as well. Pretty spiky stuff when dried.

 

[yesbut]

If you feel guilty about spraying the bugloss, you could plant some briar to make up for it...

 

[Josh]

I have a block of land in Central Otago. 8.5ha. Covered in the stuff. Some really thick patches. I don't mind it as there is certainly plenty for the bees. The neighbours blocks are covered in it too. There was a blue haze last summer and kept the bees happy. Though the honey is a bit startling, flavourwise, when fresh. I want to irrigate a ha or two of the block so I can run a few sheep eventually. Would prefer a bit less of this and more subterranean clover. So I want to control it. Don't mind spot spraying the big ones with as inoffensive herbicide as I can find before it starts flowering.
I know its going to take me years to get it under control but it is going to be a while before we get to live there permanently so no rush.

Any realistic stock option that would enjoy the borage? Goats maybe, still tasty