Cynoglossum officinale

Cynoglossum officinale_houndstongue_JM DiTomaso
Photo: Joseph DiTomaso

Common names: common houndstongue; beggar's-lice; dog bur; dog's tongue; glovewort; gypsyflower; sheelice; sticktight; woolmat

Cynoglossum officinale (houndstongue) is a biennial forb (family Boraginaceae) whose foliage can be toxic to horses and other livestock when it contaminates hay. In California, it is found in the Cascade Ranges. The seeds have hooked projections that facilitate long distance dispersal by animals and humans.

Cal-IPC Rating: Moderate?

CDFA Rating: None?

Assessment(s)

Plant Assessment Form - Information gathered by Cal-IPC on the impacts, rate of spread, and distribution of invasive plants in California. Does not include management information.

Weed Management Notes

  • Management Notes - Information on management techniques and effectiveness from the University of California Cooperative Extension’s Weed Research & Information Center.

Cal-IPC Newsletter Articles

There are no newsletter articles associated with this species yet.

Cal-IPC Symposium Presentations

Presentations are linked where available. Where a presentation is not available, find more information by reading the abstract in the Cal-IPC Symposia Archive.

Other Cynoglossum officinale Information

  • CalPhotos - Images of plants taken mostly in California.
  • Calflora - Distribution map and records of this species in California.
  • CalWeedMapper - Distribution map of this species in California with ability to determine regional priorities.
  • EDDMapS - Distribution of this species in North America.
  • Jepson Interchange - Information on this plant's taxonomy, biology, and distribution from UC Berkeley's Jepson Herbarium.
  • USDA PLANTS Database - Information on identification and distribution, with links to websites in individual states.
  • Additional photos

    Cynoglossum officinale_flowers_AmadejTrnkoczy
    Cynoglossum officinale (common houndstongue) flowers. Photo: Amadej Trnkoczy
    Cynoglossum officinale_fruits_ZoyaAkulova
    Cynoglossum officinale (common houndstongue) fruits. Photo: Zoya Akulova
    Cynoglossum officinale_leaf (underside)_ZoyaAkulova
    Cynoglossum officinale (common houndstongue) leaf (underside). Photo: Zoya Akulova
    Cynoglossum officinale_young plant_ZoyaAkulova
    Cynoglossum officinale (common houndstongue) young plant. Photo: Zoya Akulova