Narrow-Leaf Gromwell, Narrowleaf stoneseed
Lithospermum incisum

Family: Boraginaceae

What it is like

Lithospermum incisum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower in June. 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. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

Dry soils of plains, foothills and ridges in mountains to 2100 metres.

Central N. America - British Columbia to Manitoba, south to Illinois, Texas and Arizona.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Root - cooked. Eaten boiled or roasted. The root has been used to make a tea.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The root has been chewed by some native North American Indian tribes as a treatment for colds. The finely powdered leaves, root and stem have been rubbed on the body in the treatment of paralyzed limbs. An infusion of the root has been used in the treatment of stomach aches and kidney problems. The plant has been eaten as an oral contraceptive and also as a treatment for lung haemorrhages, coughs and colds. A cold infusion of the pulverized root and seed has been used as an eyewash. This plant was used as a medicine by various native North American Indian tribes and interest in the plant has revived recently as a possible source of modern drugs. No more details are given.

Contraceptive: Prevents fertilization occurring in females.

Kidney: Used in the treatment of kidney diseases

Miscellany: Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.

Ophthalmic: Treats eye complaints.

Pectoral: Relieves respiratory diseases, a remedy for chest diseases.

Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

Other

Rating:

The dried plant tops have been burnt as an incense. A blue dye has been obtained from the roots. A red dye is obtained from the roots. It is quite possible that both colours can be obtained, depending on the mordant used. The seeds have been used as beads.

Beads: Used as necklaces etc.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

Incense: Aromatic plants that can be burnt to impart a pleasant smell, repel insects and disinfect closed areas.

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 soil. Dislikes acid soils. After producing large, conspicuous flowers in the spring, the plant produces lots of small very fertile cleistogamous flowers.

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. angustifolium. Michx. L. breviflorum.