Hairy Puccoon, Carolina puccoon
Lithospermum caroliniense
Family: Boraginaceae
What it is like
Lithospermum caroliniense is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Sandhills, pine barrens and dry sandy woods.
Eastern N. America - New York to Florida, Minnesota, Montana and New Mexico.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
The powdered root has been used in the treatment of chest wounds.
Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.
Other
Rating: 1
A red dye is obtained from the dried or pulverized root.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
How it is grown
Requires a warm sunny position in a moderately fertile well-drained lime-free sandy 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;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist