Hound's-tongue SEEDS (Cynoglossum officinale) biennial

Houndstongue is a biennial forb that forms a deep tap root and basal rosette the first year. The second year it forms a flowering stem. The rosette leaves are broad, oblong, petioled and resemble a dog's tongue in shape. Leaves are alternate and are soft and have a velvety touch. The second year stems form and often branch at the tip of the plant. The plants can grow up to 4 feet in height. The flowers are five petaled, reddish-purple in color and produce four triangular, rounded seeds. Houndstongue usually blooms in June and July. The seeds are small brown nutlet about 1/3 inches in length that easily attach to animals, vehicles and humans. The single tap root of this plant is thick, black and woody. Houndstongue reproduces from seed only and each plant can produce up to 2,000 seeds. This plant will die after its second year. 

For best results, seeds are sown directly into the ground where required in the spring. Alternatively, sow in late winter/early spring in gentle warmth, 15-20 degrees C. Prick out into small 3 inch or 7 cm. pots and plant in final position when the plants are established.