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Glase, Terry

Lithospermum ruderale

Lithospermum ruderale Douglas ex Lehm.

Western Stoneseed, Western Gromwell

Boraginaceae (Borage Family)

Synonym(s): Lithospermum pilosum

USDA Symbol: LIRU4

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)

Several or many leafy stems in a clump produce, in the upper axils, clusters of 5-lobed light yellow flowers.

This species is sometimes called Puccoon, an Algonquian word for plants that yield dye, which alludes to the purple dye extracted from the roots.

From the Image Gallery

20 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Fruit Type: Schizocarp
Size Notes: Up to about 20 inches tall.
Leaf: Green.
Fruit: Nutlets.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White , Yellow
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun

Distribution

USA: CA , CO , ID , MT , NV , OR , UT , WA , WY
Canada: AB
Native Distribution: Northeastern California to western Colorado; north to western Canada.
Native Habitat: Open places in sagebrush, juniper, or pine.

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Butterflies

Find Seed or Plants

Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR

Web Reference

Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) Calflora
Webref 36 - Jepson eFlora (2019) The Jepson Herbarium, University of California, Berkeley
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter

Additional resources

USDA: Find Lithospermum ruderale in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Lithospermum ruderale in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Lithospermum ruderale

Metadata

Record Modified: 2023-05-30
Research By: TWC Staff

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