Pacific Hound’s Tongue

Cynoglossum grande

Cynoglossum grande

Native Plant

Plant Category   Perennial, ephemeral
Flowering Time   Spring
Fruiting Time   Late spring, summer
Planting Time   Fall, winter
Where to Plant   Shady woodland
Soil and Light   Well-drained moist soil, garden soil, full shade, part shade
Companion Plants   
Wildlife   Moths, insects

Pacific Hound’s Tongue

Cynoglossum grande

This perennial herb produces clusters of purple buds that open into blue with a white center on a tall, erect, showy stem rising from the center of clustered leaves at its base. When at its height of bloom, it is a showstopper when one happens upon it.

It prefers dappled, shady areas in woodlands on the forest floor and living with California oaks. It is especially beneficial in a pollinator garden as it can begin blooming in winter and extend into summer. It is deer resistant. Clusters of reseeding Hounds Tongue seem most happy on shady inclines.

The common name comes from its leaf shape, similar to a dog’s tongue. Pacific Hound’s Tongue is a member of the Borage family.