Cynoglossum
( sigh - noh - GLOSS - um )
At-A-Glance InformationThese wild-looking flowering perennials and biennials (which are commonly grown as annuals) are great for beds and borders and produce flowers in blue, white or pink. They resemble Forget-Me-Nots (and are related). If you have livestock on your property, take care when planting these as they are toxic to these animals. There are also some species listed below that are toxic to dogs and humans.
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Cynoglossum Species and Varietals
The genus Cynoglossum includes 75 species and is a member of the plant family Boraginaceae. The genus name Cynoglossum is derived from the Greek 'kunoglossen' (dog's tongue), referring to the shape and roughness of the leaves. The best growing zones for Cynoglossum vary depending on the species; for more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Cynoglossum amabile (Chinese Forget-Me-Not, Chinese Hound's Tongue) This is a biennial plant generally grown as an annual, native to East Asia. It will grow best in zones A2, A3, 1-24, H1 and H2. These plants reach 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide. Leaves are soft, hairy and grey-green, and springtime flowers form in loose sprays of blue, pink, or white. Sow seeds in place in fall or early spring. Hardy species that needs full sun and regular water. |
Cynoglossum australe (Australian Hound's Tongue) Native to Australia, these plants are commonly found growing in a wide range of habitats, from woodlands to grasslands to sandy dunes. These upright herbaceous perennials reach between 12 and 30 inches tall on average at maturity, and produce blue, pink, or whitish flowers in spring and summertime. |
Cynoglossum creticum (Blue Hound's Tongue) These plants are native to the Mediterranean Basin, including the island of Crete, and is considered invasive in some areas of the United States (especially in Texas and Missouri). Flowers are blue, and bloom in spring and summertime. Check with your local authority before planting to see if this species is considered an invasive in your area. |
Cynoglossum germanicum (Green Houndstongue) These plants are native to Europe (first discovered in Germany, hence germanicum) and reach just under 30 inches tall when in bloom. They are biennials or short-lived perennials that produces shiny light green leaves and small pink flowers with large burgundy bracts. |
Cynoglossum grande (Adelinia grandis) (Western Hound's Tongue, Pacific Hound's Tongue) This perennial grows best in zones 4-9 and 14-24 and is native to Oregon and California coastal ranges and the slopes of the Sierra Nevadas. Leaves are hairy and plants generally reach 2.5 feet tall and 1 foot wide. They will die back in summertime to a heavy, underground root. Flowers appear in spring and are blue with white centers. Loves cool, woodsy soil and little summer water. |
Cynoglossum lanceolatum (Lance-Leaf Forget-Me-Not) These many-branching perennials produce small blue flowers and are native to Ethiopia, South Africa, Madagascar, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Middle East through to China. These plants are cultivated and harvested in their native range by local populations as food and medicine. |
Cynoglossum officinale (Houndstongue, Hound's Tooth, Dog's Tongue, Gypsy Flower, Rats and Mice) This species can either be an annual or a biennial, and produces greyish-green hairy leaves and reddish-purple flowers between the months of May and September. These plants are native to Europe and are an introduced species in North America. The common name Rats and Mice refers to the smell the plant exudes. |
Caring for Cynoglossum
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 277, Cynoglossum
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