Dioscorides’ Houndstongue

(Cynoglossum dioscoridis)

Dioscorides’ Houndstongue (Cynoglossum dioscoridis)

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Climate Requirements

Precipitation 23" - 48"
High Temp. 69°F - 84°F
Low Temp. 24°F - 34°F

Summary

Cynoglossum dioscoridis, commonly known as Dioscorides’ Houndstongue, is a biennial herb that is native to the Mediterranean Region, but more specifically to rocky and stony places within open woodlands, scrublands, grasslands, and along roadsides. It typically grows to a height of 1.5-2 feet (0.46-0.6 meters) and is known for its lance-shaped leaves and inflorescences of small, tubular blue flowers that bloom in the summer and are moderately showy. The plant’s rough-textured leaves give it the common name "houndstongue".

Dioscorides’ Houndstongue is appreciated for its striking blue flowers and its ability to thrive in poor soils, making it a suitable choice for rock gardens, wildflower meadows, and naturalized areas. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and can adapt to a range of soil types, including clay, loam, or sandy soils, provided they have medium to fast drainage. While it is not a high-maintenance plant, it can self-seed prolifically under favorable conditions, which gardeners should manage to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1.5-2 feet
  • Width: 0.5-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Blue
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Drainage: Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Low Maintenance, Rock Garden

Natural Habitat

Rocky and stony places within open woodlands, scrublands, grasslands, and along roadsides

Other Names

Common Names:

Scientific Names: Cynoglossum dioscoridis, Cynoglossum elongatum, Cynoglossum loreyi, Cynoglossum loreyi, Cynoglossum moenchii, Cynoglossum moenchii, Cynoglossum officinale, Cynoglossum pictum var. loreyi, Cynoglossum remotum

GBIF Accepted Name: Cynoglossum dioscoridis