small bugloss, Anchusa arvensis

This bugloss is indeed on the smallish side. That may well be to its advantage; it's not too pesky. It is a weedy introduction from Europe, mostly found in gardens and other areas of human disturbance. It's apparently in decline due to modern methods of weed control. So now we have items like this from Nature Gate of Finland, "It is recommended to leave small bugloss that appears in the vegetable garden or flower bed or on the lawn in peace; the modest and annual weed will hardly make much of a nuisance of itself; on the other hand it adds its own brand of natural diversity and has a story to tell about human history in Finland." And remember, Finland is the happiest country in the world for three years running. So grow bugloss! So far happy states have included CA, CT, ID, MA, MD, ME, MN, MT, NC, ND, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, VA, WA, WI, WY, AB, BC, MB, NB, NS, ON, PA, QC, and SK. Beal Garden, MSU, 8/13/13. Borage family, Boraginaceae.