Pronounced (approximate): sin-oh-GLOSS-um oh-fiss-ih-NAH-lee
Small maroon flowers form branching clusters. Gray-green leaves and stems are softly hairy.
Houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale): flower details. Tap the photo to open the gallery.
Family Boraginaceae
Life cycle Biennial, short-lived perennial
Blooms May–July
Height 1 to 4 feet
Habitat part shade, sun; along roads, waste areas, fields
Common names: Houndstongue · Hound’s-tongue · Gypsy Flower
Bloom timing varies with latitude, weather and local conditions.
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
part shade, sun; along roads, waste areas, fields. Flowering season: May–July.
The maroon flowers and soft gray foliage distinguish Houndstongue from blue-flowered forget-me-nots.
Small maroon flowers form branching clusters.
Gray-green leaves and stems are softly hairy.
Fruits develop into groups of four clinging nutlets. Pair close views with a photograph of the whole plant.
5 field photographs. Select a photograph to enlarge it; use Load more photos to see the rest.
Introduced in North America; native to Eurasia.
Reported U.S. distribution
AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
Includes native and introduced state records where listed; a state record does not imply occurrence in every county.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing Houndstongue in the flower quiz, or compare it with other plants in the guide.
Field photographs: Where’s Wildlife.