Cynoglossum officinale aka Hound's Tongue

Cynoglossum officinale belongs to the borage family, Boraginaceae. Its common names include hound's tongue and dog's tongue. Its native range spans Europe, western and southern Siberia, and Iran. It is native to Britain and Ireland. It grows in dry grassland and along woodland edges. Sites often lie near the sea, on sand, gravel, chalk or limestone.

This softly hairy plant grows as a biennial. Chicago Botanic Garden lists it as a perennial instead. In its first year, it forms a leaf rosette. The grey-green leaves have an oval to oblong shape. They reach about 0.4 feet [0.12 metres] long. In year two, the plant sends up flowering growth. Its loose flower clusters have deep purple-red blooms in summer. RHS describes plants about 2.3 feet [0.7 metres] tall. Its garden height range is 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre]. Plants spread 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. The foliage dies back rather than staying evergreen.

Grow it in sun or part shade with good drainage. It suits loam or sand with moderate soil fertility. It accepts acid, neutral and alkaline soils. RHS lists moist, drained soil, but also notes success on dry gravel. It can also grow in sandy ground near the coast. RHS gives it a UK hardiness rating of H5. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA zones 4–7. Plants reach full size within one to two years. Sow seed where it will grow during spring. Cut plants back once flowering ends.

RHS suggests it for coastal sites and informal cottage gardens. It also suits wildflower meadows and gardens planned for wildlife. PFAF lists a sunny woodland edge as another setting. Pests seldom cause trouble, though powdery mildew may occur. PFAF flags weed potential, without stating how severe it is. It records past use of leaves to deter moles. People also used them to protect stored crops from rodents. These records do not establish how well those uses work.

PFAF records young leaves as a food, raw or cooked. Yet it also warns of harmful alkaloids and possible cancer risk. The leaves have an unpleasant smell and taste. Cattle poisoning has occurred, though PFAF reports no human poisoning cases. Contact may cause dermatitis in people with sensitive skin. The plant has a history of medicinal use. PFAF says modern herbal practice rarely uses it. It warns that large internal doses can cause narcotic effects. These risks make its recorded food and medicinal uses unsafe guides for home use.