Hound's-tongue

Cynoglossum officinale

Also known as Cynoglossum officinale subvar. bicolor, Cynoglossum album, Cynoglossum officinale var. corsicum, Cynoglossum officinale var. areolatum

Native Plants · Edibles & Herbs · Wildflower · Biennial · Medicinal Herb · Boraginaceae · Toxic · Pollinator · Bur Fruit · Woodland Edge · Naturalized · European Native

Hound's-tongue is a biennial to short-lived perennial grown for its deep reddish-purple flowers and historical medicinal use, though it contains toxic alkaloids and should be handled with care. It prefers well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade and requires minimal watering once established. Note that it can spread readily by seed via bur-like fruits that cling to clothing and animal fur, so deadheading is recommended to prevent unwanted spreading.