Hounds Against Houndstongue

Help to Stop These Pesky Seeds

What is Houndstongue?

Houndstongue, Cynoglossum officinale, is a class 3 state-listed noxious weed. Houndstongue is common throughout Utah and thrives in a variety of conditions, such as disturbed land within forests, riparian zones and meadows, and along roadsides, trails and recent construction.

Houndstongue plants have a two-year lifecycle. First-year plants form low rosettes of hairy, 2-4 inch wide leaves. The following year, plants bolt and produce stems topped with deep pink to purple flowers.

By fall, houndstongue flowers transform into clusters of rough, Velcro-like seeds that stick readily to fur and clothing. If you or your pup has ever returned from a hike covered in small, burr-like seeds, chances are you’ve already met this plant!

Be on the look out for the upcoming 2024 Hounds Against Houndstongue events.

More information coming soon!

What's the big deal?

Houndstongue seeds are more than just a hassle! Native to Europe, houndstongue likely came to the US as a grain or seed contaminate. In the absence of natural predators, houndstongue spreads aggressively, outcompeting native vegetation and disrupting local ecosystems. Its seeds allow it to spread like wildfire through wildlife corridors and trail systems.

Houndstongue is toxic. Houndstongue plants (particularly at the rosette stage) contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that cause irreversible liver damage. Additionally, its seeds can cause irritation—and in extreme cases, mobility issues– when tangled in animal fur. Unlike our canine friends, moose, elk, and deer don’t have humans to clean up their coats!

What can I do?

Young plants can be popped out of the ground with a shovel. Alternatively, clip flowerheads and seeds off of the plant and bag them up. Next, cut the plant down at its base to prevent a second round of buds from developing.

Ensure that all flowers & seeds make it to the trash.

Also, enlist man’s best friend! Dogs’ ability to gather houndstongue seeds is truly unparalleled. When your buddy comes home from the woods covered in seeds, brush them out and throw them in the trash. Check your clothes, boots, and gear for stragglers while you’re at it. The extra effort goes a long way in protecting our forests!

Questions?

Contact: Sara Jo Dickens

Summit Cooperative Weed Management Area

Cell: 303-549-2089

Email: jo@ecologybridge.com