Gromwell, European stoneseed

Lithospermum officinale

Physical Characteristics

Lithospermum officinale is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. 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

Europe, including Britain, except the extreme southwest and north, east to Iran and the Caucasus.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedgerow;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Tea The leaves are used as a tea substitute[46, 61, 183].

Medicinal Uses

Contraceptive Depurative Diuretic Lithontripic Oxytoxic Sedative The mature seeds are diuretic, lithontripic and oxytocic[9, 240]. They are ground into a powder and used in the treatment of bladder stones, arthritis and febrile conditions[9]. An infusion of the leaves is used as a sedative[240]. The root is depurative[240]. A syrup made from a decoction of the root and stems is used in the treatment of eruptive diseases such as smallpox, measles and itch[240]. All parts of the plant contain a substance that inhibits the secretion of the pituitary gonadotrophic hormone[240]. Extracts of the herb possess contraceptive properties[240].

Known Hazards

None known