Lithospermum

Lithospermum erythrorhizon

Physical Characteristics

Lithospermum erythrorhizon is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.7 m (2ft 4in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - Eastern China, Japan and Korea.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antitumor Contraceptive Depurative Eczema Febrifuge Salve All parts of the plant are antitumor, cardiotonic, contraceptive, depurative and febrifuge[147, 174, 176, 218, 238]. It is used internally in the treatment of irritant skin conditions, measles, chicken pox, boils, carbuncles, hepatitis and skin cancer[238]. Externally it is used to treat nappy rash, burns, cuts, wounds, abscesses, eczema and haemorrhoids[147, 174, 176, 218, 238]. The plant is an ingredient of commercial skin care creams[238]. The plants are harvested when in flower, the roots in the autumn[238]. They are dried for later use[238].

Known Hazards

None known