Manyflowered Gromwell, Manyflowered stoneseed
Lithospermum multiflorum

Family: Boraginaceae

What it is like

Lithospermum multiflorum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from July to August. 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: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.5

Where it is found

Gravelly soils in Texas, 1800 - 3600 metres, mainly in the juniper and pine belts.

Western N. America.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

The seeds have been used for food.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The root has been used as a 'life medicine' by some native North American Indian tribes.

Miscellany: Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.

Other

Rating: 1

A purple dye is obtained from the root.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

Miscellany: A rag-bag of items that are difficult to categorise.

How it is grown

Requires a warm sunny position in a moderately fertile well-drained calcareous soil. Grows well in dry soils.

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: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 3-7

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

L. arizonicum.