Houndstongue

Houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale)
Cynoglossum officinale (houndstongue, beggar’s ticks)

Houndstongue1Background

  • Introduced from Europe in crop seed
  • Biennial or short-lived perennial
  • Found in grasslands and forested areas
  • Disperses well with hooked seed
  • Toxic to livestock, attacks liver and also causes photsensitization

Houndstongue3Description

  • Leaves form basal rosette with hairy leaves in first year
  • After first year, stem forms with alternate, lance shaped leaves that are hairy and rough
  • Flowers in upper leaf axils
  • Petals reddish-purple
  • Fruits: 4 nutlets, hooked

houndstongue2