Hound's Tongue
Cynoglossum officinale
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
Hound's Tongue is a medium-sized biennial with soft, hairy leaves (hence the name) and deep maroon-red flowers that have an almost burgundy richness. The seeds are armed with hooked spines that attach to clothing and fur — a clever dispersal mechanism. It smells strongly of mice, which is distinctive. A plant of calcareous grassland and dune systems, it's declining across Britain.
At a Glance
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Habitat | Fixed dune grassland · Dune scrub edge · Calcareous rough grassland |
| UK population | Declining on calcareous grassland and dune systems in England |
| Sefton Coast | Present on dune scrub margins and fixed dune grassland; local |
| Conservation | UK Amber List |
Where to See It
Fixed dune grassland and dune scrub margins at Formby and Ainsdale.
Identification
Tall, to 90cm. Soft, tongue-shaped hairy leaves. Deep maroon-red flowers in curled cymes. Flat, disc-shaped seeds with hooked spines.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Check dune scrub edges in June. The dark maroon flowers stand out. Seeds will stick to your clothing — check socks after a walk.
Conservation Status
UK Amber List
This species is of moderate conservation concern. Population monitoring and habitat management on the Sefton Coast support its continued recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Hound's Tongue smell of mice?
Hound's Tongue contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which give it a characteristic musty, mousy smell when crushed. This smell, combined with the unpalatable taste, deters most grazing mammals from eating it. The alkaloids also make the plant mildly toxic to livestock if consumed in large quantities.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.