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Houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale)

picture of Houndstongue

Houndstongue is a member of the Borage family. It is a biennial that is introduced from Europe. It reproduces by seeds and appears as a leafy rosette in its first year. The stem is erect, stout, heavy, 1-1/2 to 3 feet high, usually branched above. The leaves are alternate, the basal and lower ones are broad, and are oblong to lance-shaped. The upper leaves are narrower and pointed, almost clasping. The flowers are terminal and reddish-purple in color. The fruit consists of four nutlets (seeds), each about 1/3 inch long, with the outer surface covered with short, barbed prickles. Nutlets break apart at maturity and are rapidly scattered by animals.

Houndstongue grows in ranges, pastures, and roadsides. Houndstongue is toxic to horses and cattle. The weed contains alkaloids that may cause liver cells to stop reproducing.

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