Gromwell, European stoneseed
Lithospermum officinale
Family: Boraginaceae
What it is like
Lithospermum officinale is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.8
Where it is found
Hedges, bushy places and woodland borders, usually on basic soil.
Europe, including Britain, except the extreme southwest and north, east to Iran and the Caucasus.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The leaves are used as a tea substitute.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The mature seeds are diuretic, lithontripic and oxytocic. They are ground into a powder and used in the treatment of bladder stones, arthritis and febrile conditions. An infusion of the leaves is used as a sedative. The root is depurative. A syrup made from a decoction of the root and stems is used in the treatment of eruptive diseases such as smallpox, measles and itch. All parts of the plant contain a substance that inhibits the secretion of the pituitary gonadotrophic hormone. Extracts of the herb possess contraceptive properties.
Contraceptive: Prevents fertilization occurring in females.
Depurative: Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Lithontripic: Removes stones from the kidney, bladder etc.
Oxytoxic: Hastens parturition and stimulates uterine contractions. See also birthing aids.
Sedative: Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.
Other
Rating: 1
A purple dye is obtained from the roots. It is best harvested in the spring.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
How it is grown
Prefers a moderately fertile well-drained soil.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings. Division.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedgerow;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist