Hound’s tongue
Warning
Hound’s tongue is toxic to cattle, deer, pigs, horses, and goats.
About This Species
Hound’s tongue grows on dry, well-drained sites. Each plant can produce 2,000 – 4,000 barbed seeds per year that cling to clothing, livestock, and wildlife. It is considered a noxious weed throughout the province.
How to Identify
One year old Hound’s tongue plants form a rosette with flopping leaves that resemble the shape of a dog’s tongue. In the second year, mature plants develop rough, hairy, wide leaves and red flowers with five petals each. Each flower produces four rounded-triangular seeds covered with hooked prickles.
REPORT TO PROTECT BC’S BIODIVERSITY
Use the app
Observe and report to protect BC’s biodiversity
Report through this website
Use our form to tell us what you’re seeing and where.
Take Action
Preventing flowering and removing seeds from clothing and pets in place where the seeds are found is the best way to prevent this plant’s spread. Hand-pull plants and/or remove flowering stems before seeds appear.
-
If you need advice about invasive species on your property or you are concerned about reported invasives in your local area, contact your local government or regional invasive species organization.
PlayCleanGo
Learn about best practices
