Cynoglossum officinale
(Houndstongue)
Cynoglossum officinale, Along CO14 north of Kremmling, Jackson Co. 9469
Cynoglossum officinale, Along CO14 north of Kremmling, Jackson Co. 9477
Cynoglossum officinale, Along CO14 north of Kremmling, Jackson Co. 9481
Cynoglossum officinale, Along CO14 north of Kremmling, Jackson Co. 9478
Cynoglossum officinale, Along CO14 north of Kremmling, Jackson Co. 4547
| Scientific Name | Cynoglossum officinale | USDA PLANTS Symbol | CYOF |
| Common Name | Houndstongue, Gypsy-flower | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 31890 |
| Family | Boraginaceae (Forget-me-not) | SEINet Reference |
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| Description | Habitat: Plains to montane (5000 to 9000 ft.); roadsides, vacant lots, pastures, fields, barnyards and other disturbed places. Plant: Biennial, 1 to 4 ft. tall; strong, single stem branched at the inflorescence, leafy the entire length, and covered with soft hairs. Leaves: Alternate stem leaves, soft-hairy, non-toothed often with wavy edges; lower leaves are narrowly elliptic or oblanceolate, 4 to 12 inches long and 3/4 to 2 inches wide and stalked; upper leaves smaller, more oblong or lanceolate with a rounded base, and often decurrent. Inflorescence: Numerous clusters at stem tips or in leaf axils of flowers on curved, spreading stalks; flowers are dull red to maroon, about 3/8-inch across with 5 broad, overlapping, spreading petals; 5 oblong sepals covered with downy hairs, about 1/4-inch long or less, with blunt or rounded tips. Bloom Period: May to August. Fruit: A cluster of 4 prickly hooked-hairy, egg-shaped nutlets about 1/4-inch tall with flattened outer sides edged by a raised rim. References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, SEINet and Missouri Plants |
BONAP Distribution Map Map Color Key |
Colorado Status: Introduced INVASIVE |
© Tom Lebsack 2026
Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains
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