Houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale L.)

HOUNDSTONGUE

(Cynoglossum officinale L.)

GROWTH HABIT:  Biennial, spread by seed.  Rosette is formed on ground 1^st year, flowering stalk elongates 2^nd year.

LEAVES:  Velvety to touch.

Basal – broad, lance-shaped.

Upper – narrower, pointed, clasping stem.

STEMS:  Heavy, erect, usually branched above, to 3’ tall.

FLOWERS:  Dark red, rarely white, ¼” diameter in terminal cluster.

ROOTS:  Taproot.

SEEDS:  Fruit consists of 4 flattened bur-like nutlets, each ¼” long with short barbed appendages.

OTHER:  Burs attach to hair and fur or animals and are easily transported.