Cynoglossum officinale aka Hound's Tongue
Taxonomy ID: 7690
Cynoglossum officinale, commonly known as houndstongue, houndstooth, dog's tongue, gypsy flower, and rats and mice due to its smell, is a softly hairy biennial herbaceous plant belonging to the family Boraginaceae. It features lanceolate leaves and produces clusters of maroon-red flowers from late spring to summer.
Common names
Hound's Tongue, Gypsy Flower, HoundstongueMore information about Hound's Tongue
How difficult is it to take care of Hound's Tongue
Hound's Tongue requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.
What is the region of origin of Hound's Tongue
Hound's Tongue’s native range is Europe, including Britain, though absent from the extreme north and rare in south, east to Asia.
What are the water needs for Hound's Tongue
Hound's Tongue should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Hound's Tongue
Hound's Tongue loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for Hound's Tongue
Hound's Tongue requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Hound's Tongue will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.
Is Hound's Tongue toxic to humans/pets?
Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.
What seasonal care does Hound's Tongue need?
During the cold period, it is common for Hound's Tongue to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.
More info:
Wikipedia