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)

Sarah Chvilicek

Sam Mitchell

Also of Interest:


Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Houndstongue Houndstongue is a noxious weed that has been identified by the state of Nevada to be harmful to agriculture, the general public, or the environment. Learn more about this weed. Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide

Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Houndstongue