Overview
Cynoglossum amplifolium A.DC. forma macrocarpum Brand is a plant that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. It is commonly known as Hounds Tongue.
Origin
Hounds Tongue is native to North America, especially in the western part of the continent. It can be found in the states of California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia.
Appearance
The Hounds Tongue plant grows up to 1 meter tall and has a hairy stem. Its leaves are clustered, broad, and oval-shaped, measuring up to 30 cm long and 15 cm wide. The plant produces many small, inconspicuous, purple flowers which bloom from June to August. Its fruit is a dry, bristly, nutlet and is 5-7 mm long and 4-5 mm wide.
Uses
The roots of Hounds Tongue have been used for medicinal purposes by Native American tribes for centuries. It was traditionally used as a poultice to relieve swelling, bruises, and as an emetic. The plant also contains alkaloids that make it toxic to livestock and can cause liver damage. However, in small quantities, it has been used as a traditional remedy to treat skin conditions and inflammation.
Light Requirements
Cynoglossum amplifolium A.DC. forma macrocarpum Brand requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. In dense forest areas, it can grow in filtered light, but it will not thrive as well as it would in full sun or partial shade. It is best to provide at least six hours of direct sunlight per day for the plant to grow and develop properly.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers cooler temperatures, typical of mountainous regions. The ideal range for daytime temperatures is between 65°F and 75°F, with a nighttime temperature drop of up to 15°F. Frosts and freezes will damage the plant, but it is mostly hardy and can withstand some frost if covered with a blanket during the cold nights.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Cynoglossum amplifolium A.DC. forma macrocarpum Brand should be moist, well-drained, and rich in nutrients. It can tolerate a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5, but it prefers acidic soils with a pH of 6.5 or lower. Sandy loam is the ideal soil type; however, it can also grow in clayey loam and loamy soils with adequate drainage.
Cultivation methods for Cynoglossum amplifolium A.DC. forma macrocarpum Brand
Cynoglossum amplifolium A.DC. forma macrocarpum Brand is native to the temperate regions of Europe and Asia. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sunlight. The best time to plant is during the spring or fall. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil or started indoors and later transplanted.
Watering needs
This plant requires consistently moist soil to thrive, but be careful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot. Water deeply once a week or as needed, especially during hot and dry weather.
Fertilization
Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer once a month during the growing season to provide essential nutrients for healthy growth. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for application rates and timing.
Pruning
Regular pruning of Cynoglossum amplifolium A.DC. forma macrocarpum Brand will help maintain its shape and encourage new growth. Prune off any yellow or dead leaves, stems, and branches as soon as possible. Prune back the stems by one-third in late spring or early summer to promote more blooms and bushier growth.
Propagation of Cynoglossum amplifolium A.DC. forma macrocarpum Brand
Cynoglossum amplifolium A.DC. forma macrocarpum Brand, which is commonly known as Hound's Tongue, can be propagated through seeds and cuttings.
Seeds
The plant produces seeds after flowering, which can be collected and stored for propagation. The seeds of Hound's Tongue are small, black, and rough, and they can be sown directly into the garden bed or in pots filled with potting mix.
Before sowing the seeds, the soil must be prepared by removing any weeds, rocks, and other debris. The soil should also be moist and well-drained. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1- 2 mm, and the soil should be gently pressed to ensure good contact between the seed and soil.
It is important to keep the soil moist after sowing to ensure proper germination. Germination usually takes around 21 days, and after the seedlings have developed two to three true leaves, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Cuttings
Hound's Tongue can also be propagated through cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the growing season when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be taken from non-flowering shoots and should be around 10-15 cm long.
The cuttings should be taken using a clean, sharp pair of pruners and should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting. The cuttings should be planted in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix and covered with a plastic bag to create a humid environment.
The pot should be placed in a warm, bright area but out of direct sunlight. The cuttings should start to root within 2-3 weeks, and once they have developed roots, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Cynoglossum amplifolium A.DC. forma macrocarpum Brand
Cynoglossum amplifolium A.DC. forma macrocarpum Brand, commonly known as large-fruited hound's-tongue, is a plant that belongs to the borage family. It is a hardy plant that grows in various soils and climatic conditions. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can cause significant damage. Here are some common diseases and pests affecting the plant and ways to manage them.
Leaf Spot Disease
Leaf spot disease is a common fungal infection that affects the leaves of the hound's-tongue plant. It is characterized by brown or black spots on the leaves that can cause defoliation, reducing the plant's vigor. To manage this disease, it is essential to maintain proper plant hygiene by removing the infected leaves and destroying them. Chemical fungicides can also be used, but it's essential to follow the instructions carefully.
Mites
Mites can cause significant damage to the plant by sucking sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and eventually die. They may also produce webbing, which can cause the plant to become infected with fungal diseases. To manage mites, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil on the plant every other week. You can also introduce natural predators like ladybugs to feed on the mites.
Root Rot
Root rot is a fungal disease caused by overwatering, poorly drained soils, and pathogenic fungi. It can cause the plant's roots to become soft and mushy, leading to the death of the entire plant. To prevent root rot, ensure that you plant the hound's-tongue in well-draining soil, and avoid overwatering. When planting in a pot, ensure that there are drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging. Fungicides can also be used, but it's essential to follow the instructions carefully.
Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails are common pests that can cause damage to the hound's-tongue plant by feeding on the leaves and stems. They can cause significant damage, especially to young plants. To manage these pests, remove any hiding places in the garden or place copper tape around the plant stems, which creates a barrier. You can also use baits or traps, such as beer traps, to catch and kill them.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars can cause significant damage to the hound's-tongue plant by feeding on the leaves, causing them to become ragged and full of holes. They can also attract other pests that can cause secondary damage. To manage caterpillars, use biological control such as Bacillus thuringiensis, which is a bacterium that produces toxins fatal to caterpillars. You can also remove caterpillars by hand or spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
