Grow western hound's tongue in woodland shade, and let it go dry after the leaves die back. This catalog plant is Cynoglossum grande.
Give it woodland shade, and stop watering once it goes dormant
| Factor | Recommended | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Sun | Woodland shade or part shade, often under oaks | Do not plant it in hot open sun |
| Soil | Average woodland soil that drains | Do not plant it in a summer-irrigated lawn |
| Water | Winter and spring moisture; none once the leaves yellow | Do not water through summer after die-back |
| After bloom | Clear spent foliage after the plant dies back | Do not keep watering to force summer leaves |
western hound's tongue is a Pacific woodland perennial. It sends up tongue-shaped leaves in winter, blooms in early spring, then dies back as the ground dries. Give it shade and skip extra water once it is dormant. [1] [2]
Does western hound's tongue need full sun?
No. Give it woodland shade or part shade. Hot open sun is the usual reason a new planting fails.
Should I water it in summer?
No. Once the leaves yellow in late spring, stop extra water. Summer irrigation keeps the crown wet when the plant should rest.
Plant in fall or as the winter leaves come up
Set a container plant in fall, or as the winter leaves emerge. The wide basal leaves grow from a taproot. Water to settle the plant, then let winter rain do the rest. [3]
- Plant in fall, or as soon as the winter leaves show, in woodland shade.
- Set the crown even with the surrounding soil. Do not bury the growing point.
- Water once to settle the soil. After that, rely on winter rain unless the bed is bone dry.
- When the leaves yellow in late spring, stop watering and clear the spent foliage. Leave the roots in place for next winter.
Sow in fall so winter cold can break dormancy
If you are starting from seed, sow outside from fall into late winter. The seed needs a cold, moist wait before it will sprout. [4]
- Sow outside in fall or late winter, on bare woodland soil.
- Press the seed onto the surface, or barely cover it. Keep the spot moist through winter rains.
- If you start indoors, give the seed thirty to sixty days of cold, moist storage, then sow it where the plant will stay.
When do I plant western hound's tongue?
Fall, or as the winter leaves come up. Do not plant it into a summer-irrigated bed and expect it to stay green.
Can I grow it from seed?
Yes. Sow outside in fall or late winter so winter cold can break dormancy. A nursery pot is faster if you want bloom the first spring.
Not the weedy houndstongue — and not Chinese forget-me-not
The weedy houndstongue is Cynoglossum officinale, a toxic pasture plant, not this native woodland perennial. Chinese forget-me-not is the cottage annual from seed — see How to Grow Chinese Forget-Me-Not. Some tags now say Adelinia grandis; that is still this plant, not a second kind to buy.
Is this the invasive houndstongue?
No. Western hound's tongue is the native woodland perennial. The pasture weed is Cynoglossum officinale, with reddish flowers. Do not plant the weed.
If the leaves yellow in late spring, stop watering — do not try to keep it green through summer.
FAQ
Can I grow western hound's tongue in a pot?
A deep draining pot can hold a plant through spring if you stop watering when it goes dormant. The usual home is open woodland ground.
Why does a tag say Adelinia?
Some botanists now list this plant as Adelinia grandis. If the tag also says Cynoglossum grande or western hound's tongue, it is the same woodland plant.
Will it come back after summer?
Yes, if the taproot stayed in the ground and you did not water it through the dry months. New leaves show in late winter.
Do I need to divide it?
Usually no. It grows from a taproot, not a loose clump you split every spring. Leave the root and wait for winter leaves.
Related guides
Recommended plants
References
- [1] UC Master Gardener Program of Sonoma County -
https://ucanr.edu/site/mg-sonoma/native-perennials - [2] Pacific Bulb Society -
https://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/Cynoglossum - [3] Linda Vista Native Plants -
https://www.lindavistanatives.com/product/cynoglossum-grande/ - [4] Klamath Siskiyou Native Seeds -
https://klamathsiskiyouseeds.com/product/adelinia-grandis-pacific-hounds-tongue/
This note is part of Cynoglossum Guides.
More first-season notes by plant are gathered in How to Grow Guides.
Updated: Reviewed by Bosquelle Editors