In 2009, Sheridan County officially added houndstongue as a

Houndstongue grows in pastures, woodland areas, roadsides, waste areas and disturbed areas. In Sheridan County, it grows in many of the same areas of the Pine Ridge that are infested with leafy spurge.

Houndstongue contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can cause liver cells to stop reproducing. Cattle and horses are susceptible, especially if confined in an area where houndstongue is growing. Animals may live 6 months or more after eating a lethal amount of houndstongue. Sheep are less susceptible than cattle and horses.

Since houndstongue reproduces only be seed, the control of it is not difficult. The EC-130 Guide for Weed Management in Nebraska has options for control. Applying herbicide at the rosette stage in the spring or fall will keep the plant from going to seed.

Prevention is the best method of control for houndstongue. Prevent houndstongue from going to seed, and prevent the movement of seeds to other areas.