Western Houndstongue

Western Houndstongue is a mid-sized perennial herb with distinct ovate leaves and long flowering stems. The large, dark green leaves are long-stalked and encircle the plant’s base. Extending above the leaves are several smooth stems, 30 to 90 centimeters tall. Atop each stock are loose clusters of purple or blue flowers. The bluish, five petaled flowers have 5 white ridges in a circle, 1 to 1.5 centimeters wide, at its center. The plant fruits four slightly bristled, circular seed pods.

Basic Information

• Member of the Boraginaceae, the borage or forget-me-not family

• Perennial herb

Habitat

• Native range is western North America from British Columbia

• Found in shaded woodland and chaparral ecosystems

Reproduction

• The flowers bloom from February-May

• Has monoecious flowers (has both male and female organs)

• Pollinated by a variety of insects

Alternative Names

• Grand Hound's Tongue, Pacific Hound's Tongue, Western Hound's Tongue

Historical Uses

• The Concow used the grated root to treat inflamed burns and scalds

• The Pomo used the grated roots for stomach aches and venereal diseases

• The Yuki cooked and ate the roots