Taking its name from the shape of its leaves, Houndstongue is a native biennial found mainly in the southern half of the British Isles, in grassy places and woodland edges, particularly close to the sea. The scientific name is itself Greek for  Houndstongue - kyon meaning dog, glossum meaning tongue. The spiny fruits attach themselves to clothing and animal fur.

Flower: Tiny to little dark red/purple 6-10 mm across, bell-shaped, with five petals, in big spikes.
Leaves: Lanceolate
Habitat: Grassy places, woodland edges, particularly close to the sea
Height to about 60 cm
Typically flowering: June - August