Cynoglossum germanicum is a biennial or short-lived perennial herbaceous species, growing to a maximum height of 75cm.

[2] It is similar to the closely related Cynoglossum officinale, however differs in having glabrous, shiny, light-green leaves and nutlets which are more convex outside and lack a thickened border.

[5][6][7] The IUCN has assessed the global conservation status of this species as critically endangered.

[8] It was declining markedly in Britain before the Second World War, for unknown reasons, but benefited greatly from the Great Storm of 1987, which felled many trees and opened up Britain's woodlands.

[9] Cynoglossum comes from the Ancient Greek 'kunoglosson' for hound's or dog's tongue, a reference to the shape and roughness of the leaves.