Hound's-tongue
Cynoglossum officinale
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
SC
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Hound's-tongue is a biennial wildflower that produces clusters of small reddish-purple flowers from late spring through summer. This European native has coarse, hairy leaves and can self-seed readily in garden settings. The plant dies back completely after its second year of growth.
In an HOA neighborhood
Hound's-tongue takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Non-native species may raise concerns
- Irregular growth habit looks weedy
- Biennial lifecycle creates gaps in plantings
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and beetles during the blooming period. However, this plant is not native to North America and provides limited ecological benefits compared to indigenous species.
Common questions
- How much sun does Hound's-tongue need?
- Hound's-tongue grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Hound's-tongue bloom?
- Hound's-tongue blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Hound's-tongue native?
- Hound's-tongue (Cynoglossum officinale) is native to SC, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Hound's-tongue attract?
- Hound's-tongue draws bees and beetles.
- Is Hound's-tongue HOA-friendly?
- Hound's-tongue takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Hound's-tongue? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz