DOGSTONGUE Meaning and
Definition
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Dogstongue refers to a perennial weed belonging to the borage family (Boraginaceae) and scientifically known as Cynoglossum officinale. It is native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa but has become naturalized in various parts of North America. The plant derives its common name from the shape and appearance of its leaves, which supposedly resemble a dog's tongue.
Dogstongue typically grows in disturbed areas such as roadsides, waste places, and cultivated lands. It features a basal rosette of large, elongated, and hairy leaves that are dark green in color. The plant sends up a tall, erect flowering stem that can reach up to two feet in height. The stem is covered in stiff hairs, while the leaves may be covered in shorter and softer hairs.
The flowers of dogstongue are small and arranged in clusters, forming a spike-like inflorescence at the top of the stem. They are typically purple or blue-purple in color, occasionally leaning towards pink or white. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer, attracting various pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Despite its potential attraction to pollinators, dogstongue is considered an undesirable weed in many regions, as it can invade pastures, rangelands, and crop fields. Animals, particularly livestock, tend to avoid grazing on it due to its rough texture and unappetizing taste. Dogstongue is also toxic to horses, causing liver damage when consumed. Therefore, efforts are often made to control its spread and reduce its impact on agricultural lands.
Common Misspellings for DOGSTONGUE
- sogstongue
- xogstongue
- cogstongue
- fogstongue
- rogstongue
- eogstongue
- digstongue
- dkgstongue
- dlgstongue
- dpgstongue
- d0gstongue
- d9gstongue
- dofstongue
- dovstongue
- dobstongue
- dohstongue
- doystongue
- dotstongue
- dogatongue
- dogztongue
Etymology of DOGSTONGUE
The word "Dogstongue" is derived from Old English. The word can be broken down into two parts: "dog" and "stongue".
1. "Dog" comes from the Old English word "docga", which referred to a domesticated canid, specifically a dog. It has cognates in other Germanic languages such as German "Hund" and Dutch "hond".
2. "Stongue" is believed to have come from the Old English word "stangent", which referred to a sharp or pointed object. Over time, "stangent" evolved into "stang", which meant a point or spike. Eventually, "stang" developed into "stongue".
When combined, "dogstongue" refers to a sharp or pointed object related to dogs.
