Ecology and management of houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale L.)

Abstract

Houndstongue, Cynoglossum officinale (Boraginaceae), is a biennial or short-lived perennial originating from montane zones in western Asia and Eastern Europe. Houndstongue reproduces by seed only, and was probably introduced to North America as a grain seed contaminant. This species was first reported in Montana from Sweet Grass County near Big Timber, Montana in 1900. As of 2006, houndstongue has been reported in 35 of Montana's 56 counties (http://invader.dbs.umt.edu). Houndstongue invades grasslands, pastures, shrublands, forestlands, croplands and riparian areas, and is an effective competitor that readily displaces desirable species, establishing monocultures and further degrading forage quality in disturbed habitats. This species is particularly well adapted to invading and dominating forest openings created through logging activities.

Citation

Jacobs, Jim; Sing, Sharlene. 2007. Ecology and management of houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale L.). Invasive Species Technical Note No. MT-8. Bozeman, MT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 7 p.