Hound’s Tongue
Cynoglossum officinale
Family: Boraginaceae
Herbaceous perennial. Native to Europe, Asia and North America.
Very, very pretty purple-blue flowered plant. Makes a fine showing
in early spring, then for all practical purposes disappears.
The mucilagenous root may be made into a paste and applied to relieve the
pain of hemorrhoids. Internal use not recommended, as the plant
contains potentially carcinogenic alkaloids. According to Gerard,
“It will tye the tongues of Houndes so that they will not bark at you,
if it be laid under the bottom of your feet.” Hmmm. Cultivation:
Extra care. Seeds germinate irregularly over a long period of time.
Plant in a shaded location or in shaded flats. Keep moist.
Moist, cold conditioning for at least 2 weeks is very helpful.
Plant 1 foot apart, in shade or semi-shade. Grows about 1 foot tall.
Not for sale to OR State.
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