Houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale L.)

Status:

Listed Noxious Weed In Montana

History:

First Montana Specimen Collected 1

County:

Sweet Grass

Year:

1900

Habitat:

Growth Habit:

Biennial, spread by seed. Rosette is formed on ground 1^st year, flowering stalks elongates 2^nd year.

Leaves:

Velvety to touch. Basal – broad, lance-shaped. Upper – Narrower, pointed clasping stem.

Stem:

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

Flower:

Dark red, rarely while, ¼” diameter in terminal clusters.

Roots:

Taproot.

Seeds:

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

Other Notes:

"Houndstongue is an aggressive weed, which was introduced from Europe. It is a very fast spreading and hard to control weed. It spreads rapidly by means of burrs, which attach to people, domestic pets, livestock, and wildlife.

Houndstongue is toxic, causing liver cells to stop reproducing. Horses and cattle are particularly susceptible to poisoning by Houndstongue." (Boulder County CO)