Contents
Description
Cynoglossum Alpestre, also known as Hound’s Tongue, is a biennial or perennial flowering plant that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa and can grow up to 60 cm tall. The plant has a long taproot and produces rosettes of leaves in the first year.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Cynoglossum |
Appearance
The leaves of Cynoglossum Alpestre are oblong or lance-shaped and have a rough texture. The plant produces clusters of small, blue-purple flowers that bloom from May to August. The flowers have a five-lobed corolla and are arranged in cymes. The fruit is a nutlet that is covered in hooked hairs.
Care Guide
Cynoglossum Alpestre is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. It is drought-tolerant but requires regular watering during the growing season. The plant does not need fertilization but can benefit from a slow-release granular fertilizer in the spring. It can grow in hardiness zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cynoglossum Alpestre is susceptible to powdery mildew and rust, which can be treated with fungicides. It can also attract aphids and spider mites, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Cynoglossum Alpestre grows in meadows, rocky slopes, and open woods. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate dry conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Cynoglossum Alpestre poisonous?
A: Yes, the plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be toxic to humans and animals if ingested.
Q: Can I grow Cynoglossum Alpestre indoors?
A: No, the plant requires full sun and well-drained soil, which cannot be provided indoors.
Q: How often should I water Cynoglossum Alpestre?
A: The plant is drought-tolerant but requires regular watering during the growing season.
Q: Can Cynoglossum Alpestre be propagated by cuttings?
A: No, the plant is usually propagated by seed.
Related Plants
- Cynoglossum amabile
- Cynoglossum creticum
- Cynoglossum grande
References
- “Cynoglossum alpestre L. | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science.” Plants of the World Online, powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:120549-1.
- “Cynoglossum Alpestre.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c820.
- “Hound’s Tongue (Cynoglossum Alpestre).” Gardenia.net, www.gardenia.net/plant/cynoglossum-alpestre-hounds-tongue.
