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western hound's tongue

Scientific Name: Cynoglossum occidentale

Family: Boraginaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Pacific Hound's Tongue / Western Hound's Tongue (Cynoglossum grande and Cynoglossum occidentale)

This page provides information about plants in the Cynoglossum genus, particularly Cynoglossum grande and Cynoglossum occidentale, often referred to as Pacific Hound's Tongue and Western Hound's Tongue, respectively.

Considerations for Pets

  • Cynoglossum officinale (common hound's tongue) is mentioned as potentially toxic. While the text doesn't directly state that C. grande or C. occidentale are toxic, caution is advised.
  • The plant produces "barbed nutlets" which can attach to fur.

Scientific Classification and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cynoglossum grande, Cynoglossum occidentale and Cynoglossum officinale
  • Family: Boraginaceae (Borage / Forget-Me-Not Family)
  • Genus: Cynoglossum

Common Names

  • Pacific Hound's Tongue
  • Western Hound's Tongue
  • Grand Hound's Tongue
  • Houndstongue
  • Hounds-tongue
  • Dog's Tongue

Distribution and Habitat

  • Cynoglossum grande is native to western North America, growing west of the Cascades and Sierra Nevada mountains. It is found in the Columbia River Gorge.
  • Cynoglossum occidentale is native to Oregon and California.
  • Cynoglossum boreale occurs in the northern United States.
  • Cynoglossum officinale is native to Asia, Africa, and Europe, but has been introduced to North America.
  • These plants are commonly found in woodland areas and forested ranges.

Morphological Characteristics

  • The common name "Hound's Tongue" refers to the shape of the broad, coarse, tongue-shaped leaves.
  • Cynoglossum grande grows to a height of 2-3 feet.
  • Flowers are pale blue to purple.
  • Cynoglossum officinale has dark reddish-purple flowers.

Ecological Role

  • Cynoglossum officinale is mentioned as having been accidentally introduced to North America.
  • The plant produces barbed nutlets (burrs) that can impact rangeland.

Quirky Facts

  • The name "Hound's Tongue" comes from the shape of the leaves.
  • Native Americans reportedly used the plant.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • It is mentioned that barbed nutlets/burrs adhere to animals.

Additional Resources

  • USDA PLANTS database