Houndstongue Cynoglossum officinale
ABOUT
The common name of Cynoglossum officinale is hound's tongue. This plant is known for its distinctive foliage and flowers. The leaves are broad and rough-textured, resembling the shape of a tongue, which is how the plant gets its name. They are typically a deep green color and are covered with tiny hairs, giving them a slightly fuzzy appearance. The flowers of hound's tongue are small and reddish-purple to bright pink, clustering along the upper part of the flowering stem. They are bell-shaped and hang in a downward-facing position. Each flower is surrounded by small green sepals and has a five-lobed corolla. The plant also produces a fruit that looks like a small, hard, four-lobed nutlet, which is covered in tiny barbed hooks that allow it to attach and be dispersed by passing animals. The overall visual impression of hound's tongue is of a somewhat coarse, hairy plant, with a strong presence due to its robust foliage and the visual contrast of its vibrant flowers against the darker leaves.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Boraginaceae.
Synonyms
Hound's Tongue, Gypsy Flower, Dog's Tongue, Rats And Mice, Woolly Blue Curls.
Common names
Cynoglossum germanicum, Cynoglossum officinale var. patulum, Cynoglossum sibiricum, Cynoglossum virginianum.
ToxicityTo humans
Cynoglossum officinale, commonly known as hound's tongue, is toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can cause liver damage and potentially lead to liver failure. Symptoms of poisoning may include gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Long-term consumption can lead to more severe consequences including hepatic veno-occlusive disease, which is characterized by the blockage of small veins in the liver. Ingesting any part of the hound's tongue plant should be avoided.
To pets
Hound's tongue (Cynoglossum officinale) is also toxic to pets, particularly dogs and horses. The presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in the plant can cause liver damage if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include signs of liver failure such as jaundice, loss of appetite, abdominal distension, and abnormal behavior. Chronic exposure may lead to cumulative liver damage and can be fatal. It is important to prevent pets from ingesting any part of the hound's tongue plant due to its potent toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.30 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Wildlife Habitat: Cynoglossum officinale, commonly known as houndstongue, provides habitat and food for various insects and wildlife.
- Soil Stabilization: The plant has a deep root system that can help in stabilizing soil and preventing erosion.
- Drought Tolerance: Houndstongue is known for its ability to survive in dry conditions, making it useful for xeriscaping.
- Aesthetic Value: With its reddish-purple flowers, houndstongue can add color and visual interest to natural landscapes and gardens.
Medical Properties- Analgesic: Traditionally used to relieve pain.
- Anti-inflammatory: Contains compounds that may reduce inflammation.
- Diuretic: Used to increase urine flow and relieve fluid retention.
- Expectorant: Has been used to loosen phlegm and ease cough.
- Sedative: Employed for its calming effects and to aid sleep.
- Antitussive: Used in the past to relieve coughing.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Plant dye: Cynoglossum officinale, also known as houndstongue, has historically been used to create a red dye for coloring fabrics.
- Rodent repellent: The strong odor of houndstongue is said to repel rodents when the plant is placed in areas where these pests are unwanted.
- Insect deterrent: Houndstongue can be used as a natural insect deterrent, particularly for warding off certain plant-eating insects from gardens.
- Adhesive applications: The sticky seeds of houndstongue have been used as a natural adhesive for small-scale purposes, like fixing paper or attaching small objects.
- Fish poison: Some indigenous cultures have used houndstongue in small quantities to temporarily stun fish, making them easier to catch.
- Marker for land boundaries: Due to its distinctive appearance, houndstongue has been reportedly used in the past to demarcate boundaries between land properties.
- Folk art: The unique borage-like flowers of houndstongue have been used to press into folk art and herbarium collections for decorative purposes.
- Erosion control: The robust and hardy nature of houndstongue can help with soil stabilization and erosion control in certain landscapes.
- Livestock feed caution: While not explicitly a use, houndstongue serves as an important indicator for farmers to remove from fields as it can be toxic to livestock if ingested.
- Companion planting: Some gardeners use houndstongue as a companion plant for specific crops, as its presence can deter pests that would otherwise attack the main crop.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant houndstongue is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant houndstongue is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Forgetfulness: The most common common name of Cynoglossum officinale is "houndstongue." Historically, houndstongue has been associated with forgetfulness, perhaps due to its name invoking the image of a dog's tongue and the expression 'a dog's memory,' indicating a short memory span.
- Protection: In folk beliefs, houndstongue was sometimes used for protection against enchantments and to guard against negative influences.
- Silence: The plant's velvety foliage and the muted colors of its flowers can be symbolically linked to silence, discretion, or keeping secrets.
WaterThe common hound's tongue should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, usually about once a week depending on the climate and season. During the growing season in spring and summer, increase watering to support its growth, which may mean watering two to three times per week. It's important not to overwater to prevent root rot; ensure that the pot has good drainage. Provide the plant with about 1 to 2 gallons of water per watering session to thoroughly moisten the soil, allowing excess water to drain away.
LightHound's tongue does best in full sun to partial shade conditions; it should be placed in a spot where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day. If grown indoors, a south-facing window would be an ideal location, or it can also thrive under the bright, indirect light near an east or west-facing window.
TemperatureHound's tongue prefers moderate temperatures and can survive in a temperature range from about 50 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal conditions for this plant are between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from temperatures that drop significantly below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPrune hound's tongue to remove dead or damaged leaves and to shape the plant, which encourages healthy growth and blooms. It is best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning can be done once a year or as needed to maintain the desired size and shape of the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHound's tongue thrives in well-draining soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of loamy soil, compost, and sand is ideal for maintaining proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingHound's tongue generally does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingHound's tongue prefers moderate humidity levels but is fairly adaptable to various conditions as long as it is not consistently wet.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide well-draining soil and bright, indirect light.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil; full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleCynoglossum officinale, commonly known as houndstongue, begins its life as a seed that typically germinates in early spring once the temperature and soil conditions are favourable. The seedlings establish a rosette of basal leaves during their first year, which is the vegetative growth stage where the plant accumulates resources in preparation for flowering. In its second year, houndstongue transitions to the reproductive phase, sending up flowering stalks that can reach up to 1 meter in height, with small reddish-purple flowers that typically bloom from May to September. After pollination, the flowers develop into bur-like fruits with hooks that attach to passing animals or clothing, dispersing the seeds to new locations. Once the seeds are dispersed, the adult plant completes its life cycle and dies, being a biennial. The dispersed seeds remain dormant in the soil until the next suitable growth season, when the cycle starts anew with germination.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
Propogation: Hound's tongue, scientifically known as Cynoglossum officinale, is commonly propagated through its seeds. The best time to sow hound's tongue seeds is in the fall or early spring directly into the ground where they are to grow. The seeds require light to germinate, so they should be sown on the soil surface or covered with a very thin layer of soil, no more than an eighth of an inch deep (approximately 3 millimeters). Watering should be done gently to prevent the seeds from being buried too deeply by heavy water flow. Germination typically occurs within two to three weeks in the right conditions, which include a well-draining soil and a site that receives full sun to partial shade. Once seedlings are established, they can be thinned to prevent overcrowding.
