Houndstongue
Biennial with maroon flowers on dry grassland and roadsides in early summer; gives bees moderate nectar, while the plant itself is toxic.
- Nectar
- Medium
- Pollen
- Low
- Flowering
- JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
- Height
- 0,3-0,9 m
- Life cycle
- Biennial
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Houndstongue is a biennial that grows in dry, calcareous grassland, along woodland edges and in nitrogen-rich places such as around livestock pens. In its first year it forms a rosette of grey, hairy leaves, and in its second year a branched flowering stem. Its small maroon-purple flowers are visited by honey bees and bumblebees; the nectar contribution is moderate and the pollen contribution low.
Flowering
From May to July, for about 6-8 weeks.
Honey and pollen
There is no monofloral honey.
Note for the beekeeper
The plant contains high levels of pyrrolizidine alkaloids and is toxic to grazing animals. These substances can pass into honey through nectar and pollen; it is prudent to avoid placing hives where it grows in dense stands. Its hooked seeds spread by clinging to animal fur and clothing. In North America it is an invasive pasture weed.