Houndstongue is a member of the Borage family. It is a biennial that was introduced from Europe. It reproduces by seed and appears as a leafy rosette in its first year. The plant grows 1 ½ to 3 feet high with reddish-purple flowers. Houndstongue is commonly known as the "Velcro weed" because of its small nutlets that are rapidly spread by people, domestic animals, wildlife and vehicles. Houndstongue grows on ranges, pastures, trails and roadsides and is toxic to horses and cattle, as it contains alkaloids that may cause liver cells to stop reproducing.

Comments: Widespread throughout Pitkin County, particularly in areas of past or current livestock grazing.

Biological controls: None currently available.

Chemical controls: Surfactants highly recommended due to hairiness of leaf. For additional information contact your local city, county or town natural resource office. (See section VII for phone numbers.)

Cultural controls: Re-seed disturbed sites with fast growing native grasses. Maintain range and pasture in good condition. Promote healthy grass growth through proper irrigation and fertilization. Do not overgraze.

Mechanical controls: Houndstongue is a prolific seed producer, and the seeds are readily spread by their ability to stick to wildlife and domestic animals. Physical removal of the plant at flowering or in early seed formation, by pulling or digging, will break the cycle of the plant.

Locations of Infestations of Houndstongue on Roads and Open Space in Pitkin County: