Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Houndstongue, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide

Stem

Up to 4 ft. tall and covered with long hairs

Photo of houndstongue plant in the grass

Leaves

Alternate; resemble a hound’s tongue; lance-shaped, 1-12 in. long, 1-3 in. wide, rough texture and covered with long hairs; edges (margins) lack teeth and lobes
Leaf stems (petioles) on lower but not upper leaves; leaves decrease in size from bottom to top of plant

Flower

Purplish-red flowers with 5 petals; occur in clusters
4 nutlets (seeds) per flower, 0.25 in. long and brownish at maturity; covered with short prickles that can attach to clothing or animal fur

Root

Thick, deep taproot

Photo of houndstongue plant with small purple flowers

Other

Grows best in moist areas; often found in pastures, roadsides, fencelines, waste areas and along waterways; known to occur in Elko, Lincoln and White Pine counties
Biennial, but sometimes annual or perennial; reproduces by seed
Toxic to livestock, especially horses; has a distinctive odor that may cause animals to avoid

Photo of houndstongue seeds

Control

Mowing or tillage prior to seed production is effective
Apply 2,4-D or glyphosate to actively growing plants prior to bloom; aminopyralid, chlorsulfuron, imazapic, imazapyr, metsulfuron or picloram pre- to post emergence

Learn more about the author(s)

Heidi Kratsch

Also of Interest:

Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Houndstongue