Houndstongue

Houndstongue Cynoglossum officinale L. Borage family
Key identifying traits Leaves are hairy, have distinct veins and are shaped like a hound’s tongue Leaves alternate, up to 12" long and 3" wide on lower stem and lesser in size higher up the stem Flowers are small, attractive, reddish-purple and terminal on outwardly drooping stems Seed pods are about the size and shape of a split pea with hooked prickles that cling to clothing and animals Biology and ecology A tap rooted biennial growing 1 to 4 feet tall the second year Found in pastures, disturbed areas and roadsides Can cause liver damage in animals resulting in death 6 months after a lethal dose is consumed Sheep less often poisoned than cattle and horses Tolerates shade but more robust in sunlight Four nutlets break apart readily into single seeds Control Prevention – Learn to identify plants; know your property; beware of seeds clinging to clothing or animals and of hay and seed from outside your area Biological – None available to date, but a promising agent may be available very soon… Cultural – Good vigorous grass cover will prevent heavy weed growth but not totally prevent it Mechanical – Will not withstand regular cultivation, digging, pulling and cutting are effective if done frequently; if done after flowering, plants need to be removed from site and disposed of to prevent seed spread. Always wear gloves! Chemical – Several effective at label rates: adjuvant helpful due to hairy leaf structure; refer to the PNW Weed Management Handbook for specific chemical recommendations	bushy plant pre-flower

	unripe seeds
	flowering plants
*Where found –* Scattered throughout Stevens County particularly where spread by domestic animals or livestock or, in a few instances, as an ornamental. MSdoc pdf