Download HOUNDSTONGUE - Delta County

HOUNDSTONGUE: List B Species
Cynoglossum officinale
Status in Delta County: Found in pastures, forests and roadsides, primarily in higher
elevations of eastern Delta County. Plant densities are higher in areas disturbed by logging,
heavy grazing or road building.
County Management Strategy: Suppression above approximately 7,000 feet elevation.
Control Methods: Mechanical removal is very effective for small infestations, particularly after
plants have bolted, when herbicides may not be as effective. Rosettes should be killed manually
or with herbicides in the spring or fall. Plants that are bolting should be removed manually or
sprayed as soon as possible. Flowering plants should be removed manually and mature
flowerheads bagged to prevent seed spread. Beware to remove all seeds from clothing, shoes,
shoelaces, etc. No biological agents are available for this species.
Identification: Houndstongue is a biennial plant with rough hairy leaves that can be 1-12 inches
long and 1-3 inches wide. Flowers can be maroon or white, are about 1/4" in diameter, and
appear bell shaped. The seed pods (nutlets) are covered with hooked spines and provide a
mechanism for dispersal on clothing and fur. The pods are flattened and somewhat heart
shaped. A common name locally is beggar’s lice.
Other names: None
Similar Species: Other plants with sticky seeds, such as nodding beggar’s tick, western
sticktight and catchweed bedstraw, can be confused with houndstongue. The shape of the
seeds and/or the presence of stout straight spines on the seeds can distinguish these from
houndstongue.
Control Timing: In the rosette or early bolting stage.
Control target: Prevent seed production.
Toxicity: Houndstongue is extremely toxic to cattle and horses, less so to sheep. It produces
alkaloids that cause liver damage.
Photos:
http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/weedguid/houndst.htm
Fact sheets and control:
http://www.weedsbc.ca/weed_desc/hounds.html