Western Gromwell, Western Stoneseed

Lithospermum ruderale

Physical Characteristics

Lithospermum ruderale is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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 cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Western N. America - British Columbia to California.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: The seeds have been used for food[257].

Medicinal Uses

Antirheumatic Astringent Contraceptive Diuretic Kidney An infusion or decoction of the root has been used as a diuretic in the treatment of kidney complaints and also to treat internal haemorrhaging, diarrhoea etc[61, 257]. A poultice of the dried powdered leaves and stems has been used to relieve the pain of rheumatic joints[257]. Some N. American Indian women drank a cold water infusion of the roots daily for six months to ensure permanent sterility[213]. Alcoholic extracts of the plant have been shown to eliminate the oestrus cycle and decrease the weight of the thymus and pituitary glands[213].

Known Hazards

None known