Gromwell, Bohemian tea, Croatian tea
Lithospermum officinale
Family: Boraginaceae
What it is like
A herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 80 cm tall. The stems are usually branched. The leaves are 6-7 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. They are broadly sword shaped. The flowers have short stalks and leafy bracts. The fruit are nutlets 3-4 mm long.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It can grow in a range of soils. It is best with moist, well-drained soil. It grows on meadow slopes and the edges of forests in north China. In Argentina it grows at 800 m above sea level. It is hardy to hardiness zone 6.
Countries/locations it is found in
Afghanistan, Andorra, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Bhutan, Caucasus, Central Asia, China, Europe, Himalayas, India, Iran, Luxembourg, Middle East, Nepal, North America, Portugal, Russia, Slovenia, South America, Spain, Tajikistan, Tasmania, USA
How it is used for food
The leaves are used as a substitute for tea.
Edible parts
Leaves - tea
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by seeds. They can also be grown by cuttings and division.
Its other names
Local names
Navadni železnik, Te de parla