Hound's tongue is an introduced species in North America that originates in eastern Europe and western Asia (
Zouhar 2002,
Global Invasive Species Database 2007). It is widely distributed throughout Europe, although absent in the 'southernmost regions' (Zouhar 2002). In North America, "herbarium specimens of houndstongue were collected in Ontario as early as 1859 and in the western provinces between 1922 and 1934. Houndstongue was noted in 1884 as "common" around Montreal, and as "a pest" in Ontario" (Zouhar 2002). Today, it is found in Canada from British Columbia east to Quebec and across the continental US, exclusive of some southern states (
USDA 2012). In British Columbia, Hound's tongue is primarily reported from the south-central and southeastern part of the province.
Hound's tongue is found in disturbed sites that includes roadsides, rangeland, old fields, meadows, forest margins, riparian corridors, and coastal sand dunes (Global Invasive Species Database 2007). Zoutar (2002) says: "In British Columbia it is found on sites that are characterized by hot, dry summers and cold winters, with annual precipitation in the range of 11 to 18 inches (268-448 mm), and mean January and July temperatures of approximately 21 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 and 22 ºC), respectively."
This is a biennial (sometimes annual) herb from a taproot. Flowers are maroon-coloured. Although it has spiny, barbed seeds, dispersal is primarily by wind (Zouhar 2002). It is not a seed banking species; seeds are viable for up to two years (Zouhar 2002). Zouhar (2002) indicates that this is a fire-resistant and fire-following species--fire creates conditions suitable for its establishment (although severe fire may prevent establishment).
In British Columbia, this is considered a noxious weed.
Read the BC Ministry of Agriculture information page on this species.
