SafePlants

Hound's Tongue (Cynoglossum officinale)

Hound's tongue, scientifically known as Cynoglossum officinale, is a biennial plant recognized by its distinctive, tongue-shaped leaves. It is also known as dog's tongue, gypsy flower, and other common names.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant produces flat barbed seedlings, which are spread by clinging to fur.

Considerations for Children

• The plant produces flat barbed seedlings, which are spread by clinging to clothing.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cynoglossum officinale
• Family: Boraginaceae (Borage Family)
• Genus: Cynoglossum
• Common Names: Houndstongue, Hound's Tongue, Dog's Tongue, Gypsy Flower, Dog Bur, Sheep Lice, Woolmat, Beggar's Lice.
• Synonyms: The text mentions Cynoglossum amabile and Cynoglossum grande as related species.

Distribution and Habitat

• Originally from Eurasia, Cynoglossum officinale has been introduced to North America.
• It prefers dry, disturbed sites at low to medium elevations and can establish in open grasslands and forests.
• It is widespread along roadsides in dry areas.
• It has been found blooming in the Klamath-Siskiyou region as early as March 6th (referring to Cynoglossum grande).
• The text also mentions Cynglossum cretinum in the Camargue region.

Ecological Role

• Cynoglossum officinale is considered a noxious weed under the BC Weed Control Act.
• In New South Wales, a related species, blue hound's tongue, is a threat to agriculture in southern Australia.
• It is described as an invasive plant and a seed contaminant of cereal seeds.

Morphological Characteristics

• Cynoglossum officinale is a coarse, single-stemmed biennial, typically 30-120 cm tall.
• It has an erect, silky-pubescent stem, growing from 1 to 2 feet in height.
• The leaves are alternate, sessile, and lanceolate, with a downy texture on both sides.
• Basal leaves can be up to a foot long, broader at the tips, and tapering, resembling a hound's tongue. They lack teeth and lobes and have distinctive veins.
• The plant produces a rosette in the first year and a flowering bolt in the second.
• Flowers range from red to deep burgundy.

Quirky Facts

• The deep venation on the leaves is said to resemble a hound's tongue, hence the common name.
• The plant is described as having a most unpleasant smell.
• It is noted that this wildflower is not threatened by overpicking.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Many fur-coated animals, such as rabbits, help spread the burrs.

Further Information

• WebMD provides patient medical information.
• Alberta Invasive Plants Council (Canada) offers a fact sheet.
• Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States provides biological, ecological, and regulatory information.
• CalPhotos hosts images of Cynoglossum grande.