ExplorePlants

hound's-tongue

Cynoglossum officinale

Hound's-tongue is a unique plant with fuzzy leaves and pretty purple flowers. It grows in fields and along roadsides, making it a special sight in nature.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The hound's-tongue has dull green, hairy leaves that feel rough and resemble a dog's tongue in shape and texture. Its small, five-petaled flowers are typically a striking reddish-purple or maroon color, though sometimes blue, clustered atop tall stems.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderBoraginalesFamilyBoraginaceaeGenusCynoglossum
hound's-tongue
furry trait badgeflowering trait badgebiennial trait badgemedicinal trait badge
hound's-tongue

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Snaps

16

Interesting facts

Despite its toxicity, it was once used in traditional medicine for various ailments.

It can produce thousands of seeds, making it a very successful colonizer of new areas.

Its genus name, Cynoglossum, literally means 'dog's tongue' in Greek!

The plant's distinctive seed burrs inspired the invention of velcro!

Special abilities

Ability

Hitchhiker Seeds

Hound's-tongue has burr-like seeds covered in hooked barbs that easily attach to animal fur or clothing, helping it spread far and wide.

Ability

Chemical Defense

Hound's-tongue contains toxic compounds called pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which deter most grazing animals from eating its leaves.

Ability

Deep Drinker

Hound's-tongue grows a deep taproot that helps it find water and nutrients from deep in the soil, surviving dry conditions.

Measurements & details

Height
40-120 cm
Spread
30-60 cm
Flower Size
0.5-1 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to early summer
Edible
No
Toxicity
High
Lifecycle
Biennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

European honey bee

Apis mellifera

collects nectar from flowers

pollinates

Buff-tailed bumblebee

Bombus terrestris

visits flowers for nectar and pollen

depends on

Kentucky bluegrass

Poa pratensis

can be outcompeted by hound's-tongue

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Do not eat any part of the plant, as it can be harmful.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify hound's-tongue?

The easiest way to identify hound's-tongue is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How tall is hound's-tongue?

40-120 cm

How wide does hound's-tongue spread?

30-60 cm

How big are the flowers on hound's-tongue?

0.5-1 cm

When does hound's-tongue bloom?

Late spring to early summer

Is hound's-tongue edible?

No

Is hound's-tongue toxic?

High

What is hound's-tongue's lifecycle?

Biennial

Snap Map

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