Paterson's curse / Salvation Jane Echium plantagineum

Erect biennial weed 50-80cm with hairy leaves and stems which are large and oval in the basal rosette but becomes smaller and lanceolate on the stem. The flowers are trumpet shaped and deep purple. This weed is valued by beekeepers for the nectar but it smothers useful pastures and is declared noxious weed in several states.