SafePlants

Small-bristle Hound's-tongue (Cynoglossum microglochin)

Cynoglossum microglochin is a species also known by the common name Small-bristle Hound's-tongue. Another common name for plants within the genus Cynoglossum is Hound's Tongue.

Considerations for Pets

• Houndstongue is mentioned as being toxic.
• The plant's nutlets are covered in short, hooked bristles, which can attach to fur and clothing, potentially causing irritation or discomfort.

Considerations for Children

• The plant's nutlets are covered in short, hooked bristles, which can attach to clothing, potentially causing irritation or discomfort.
• The plant's seeds are topped with bristles.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cynoglossum microglochin
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Synonyms: Cynoglossum microglochin Benth.
• Related ITIS Name: Cynoglossum microglochin Benth.

Distribution and Habitat

• Cynoglossum microglochin is found in Mexico and the United States.
• It is noted as "Not In Idaho".

Ecological Role

• Houndstongue is described as a toxic biennial plant introduced from Europe.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Leaves are alternate, long and narrow, and smaller higher up the stem, ranging from 1 to 3 inches wide.
• Lower leaves can grow up to a foot long and are shaped like a hound's tongue, broader at the rounded triangular base.
• The leaves and stems can be covered with short, hooked bristles.
• Seeds are black or brown, 3mm long, and topped with bristles.
• Flowers are small.
• Each flower produces small nutlets covered with bristles.

Quirky Facts

• One source notes that Sweet Hound's-tongue is derived from its genus name and its palatability, although other sources note the plant is toxic.
• The bristles on the plant have been likened to "beggar's lice".
• One source mentions "hound's tongue has been used hard teardrop shaped bristles that we all know and love as &#39beggar&#39s lice&#39."