Cynoglossum officinale

plant

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June 25, 2026

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Cynoglossum officinale, commonly known as hound's-tongue, is a species within the Cynoglossum genus, which belongs to the Boraginaceae family. This plant is characterized by its rough, tongue-shaped leaves, a feature that gives the genus its name, derived from Greek words for "dog" and "tongue".12

Hound's-tongue species, particularly C. officinale and C. germanicum, are widespread in temperate regions of both the Old and New Worlds, often found along roadsides and in dry soils. These plants typically grow to be 60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 feet) tall and produce sprays of small, purplish-red flowers. They are also known for their spined seeds that can easily attach to surfaces.1

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hound’s-tongue
…purplish-red-flowered, European species of hound’s-tongue, C. officinale and C. germanicum, are widespread along roadsides and in dry soils, the former naturalized in North America. They are 60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 feet) tall and produce curving sprays of small, five-lobed blooms and sticktight clusters of spined seeds.
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…purplish-red-flowered, European species of hound’s-tongue, C. officinale and C. germanicum, are widespread along roadsides and in dry soils, the former naturalized in North America. They are 60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 feet) tall and produce curving sprays of small, five-lobed blooms and sticktight clusters of spined seeds.
Read More