A hardy biennial with ruby coloured flowers in the second year, hounds tongue contains similar properties to comfrey and was used in folk medicine externally, to treat bites and minor injuries. 9x9cm pot (8cm depth)
Description
- Bumble bee herb
- Unusual to grow
- Self-seeding
- Good for a wildlife garden
This herb can be classed as aromatic although predominately the smell is of mice! It is a favourite with the early bumblebee and the common Carder bee and a good herb to include in a wildlife garden.
Plant Care
- Height: 60-100cm
- Type: Hardy
- Aspect: Sun
- Soil: Any/alkaline
- Flower colour: Red
- Flowering period: June - August
Typically hounds tongue can be found growing wild in scrub and waste places in the UK, but is more common near the coast. As a biennial herb it produces lots of leaf in the first year of life and the ruby coloured flowers in the following summer. Hounds tongue seed can be collected or be left to self-seed – be warned, the seeds are extremely good at attaching onto clothes and pet hair.
Usage
Although hounds tongue has a long history of use in folk medicine, it is rarely used now. The root harvested in the spring of the second year was used to treat diarrhoea and dysentery and the fresh leaves as an external poultice for inflammation and irritation. The leaves can also be rubbed onto insect bites.