Paint Indian, Hoary puccoon
Lithospermum canescens
Family: Boraginaceae
What it is like
Lithospermum canescens is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from May to 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: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.2
Where it is found
Dry or sandy open woods, prairies etc.
Eastern N. America - Ontario to Georgia, west to Saskatchewan and Texas.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The roots have been chewed with gum in order to colour the gum red. The flowers have been chewed with gum in order to colour it yellow.
Colouring: edible dyes
Medicine
Rating: 1
A tea made from the leaves is applied externally in the treatment of fevers accompanied by spasms.
Miscellany: Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.
Other
Rating: 1
A red 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 lime-free sandy soil.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. It is best sown in a soilless medium. 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; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 3-7
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist