Green Hound's-tongue

Cynoglossum germanicum is a biennial or short-lived perennial herbaceous species, growing to a maximum height of 75cm. It is similar to the closely related Cynoglossum officinale, however differs in having glabrous, shiny, light-green leaves and nutlets which are more convex outside and lack a thickened border. The typical habitats of the two species also differ strongly.

It grows in woodland glades, among deciduous trees, and sometimes hedgerows. It requires warm and nitrogen-rich conditions. It is native to Europe. It has become extinct in Scotland, but persists in England, where it is rare.

Cynoglossum comes from the Ancient Greek 'kunoglosson' for hound's or dog's tongue, a reference to the shape and roughness of the leaves. The species epithet germanicum means German, presumably the species was first identified in Germany.

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