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Gromwells
Gromwells
Gromwells
Gromwells
Gromwells (Lithospermum)
The fairly cosmopolitan gromwells genus includes species that have traditionally been used to make dyes. When cultivated, they are also often used for rockeries and ground cover. Gromwells_ are evergreen perennial shrubs with a mat-forming habit and small, hairy leaves. They are naturally found in meadows and roadsides.
Lifespan
Lifespan
Annual, Biennial
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Key Facts About Gromwells

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Attributes of Gromwells

Leaf type
Semi-evergreen

Scientific Classification of Gromwells

distribution

Distribution of Gromwells

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Distribution Map of Gromwells

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Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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How to Grow and Care for Gromwells

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how to grow and care
The gromwells genus includes perennials that thrive in moderate conditions with good drainage. Basic Care Needs include full sun to partial shade exposure, light watering to prevent waterlogged soil, and average, well-draining soils. They are hardy to zones 4-8 with optimal temperatures between 60-75°F. Common Challenges are pests such as mealybugs, powdery mildew, and root rot. Seasonal Considerations include increased watering during the summer growing season and less watering during the winter dormancy period, with potential need for mulching in harsh winters.
More Info About Caring for Gromwells
species

Exploring the Gromwells Plants

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8 most common species:
Lithospermum incisum
Narrowleaf Stoneseed
Narrowleaf Stoneseed (Lithospermum incisum) is an herbaceous wildflower that grows across North America in prairies and open woodlands. It blooms two different kinds of flowers: big, showy lemon-yellow ones in early spring and smaller pale yellow trumpets in summer that later produce seeds. Dyes can be created using the narrowleaf Stoneseed's roots.
Lithospermum officinale
Gromwell
The bushy plant known as gromwell (Lithospermum officinale) is not actually that common. It grows yellowish flowers and prefers alkaline soil. The name Gromwell comes from an Old French word, Gromil, and refers to the plant's seeds, with "mil" meaning "millet."
Lithospermum canescens
Hoary puccoon
The hoary puccoon is a perennial wildflower native to eastern North America whose golden flowers bloom in the spring. The Native American Powhatan tribe once used the plant to make a red dye.
Lithospermum ruderale
Western stoneseed
Western stoneseed is a member of the borage family with pale yellow flowers. This perennial herb is native to northwestern North America. In the Algonquian language, this plant is called “puccoon,” meaning a "plant that yields dye." A purple dye can be extracted from the western stoneseed’s roots.
Lithospermum caroliniense
Carolina puccoon
Another name for carolina puccoon (Lithospermum caroliniense) is hairy puccoon, and it’s indigenous to the midwestern United States and Canada. People dry out the roots and make a red dye from them. This species isn’t shade-tolerant in the least. So if you’re going to grow it in your garden, make sure you give it plenty of sunlight.
Lithospermum tuberosum
Tuberous stoneseed
Tuberous stoneseed gets it common name from the hardness of its seeds. This member of the forget-me-not family produces yellow flowers in the spring among hairy leaves. It is native to the United States.
Lithospermum latifolium
American stoneseed
American stoneseed (Lithospermum latifolium) is a hairy perennial herb from the midwestern United States. It grows in relatively dry, loamy soil in areas of partial sunlight. American stoneseed is most likely to be found in deciduous woodlands, wooded hillsides, and shaded riverbanks. A single taproot may sprout one or multiple stems.
Lithospermum caroliniense var. croceum
Carolina puccoon
Lithospermum caroliniense, commonly known as the hairy puccoon or Carolina puccoon, is a flowering plant found in the Midwestern United States and Canadian provinces surrounding the Great Lakes. The plant grows in sandhills, pine barrens, and dry, sandy woods.

All Species of Gromwells

Narrowleaf Stoneseed
Lithospermum incisum
Narrowleaf Stoneseed
Narrowleaf Stoneseed (Lithospermum incisum) is an herbaceous wildflower that grows across North America in prairies and open woodlands. It blooms two different kinds of flowers: big, showy lemon-yellow ones in early spring and smaller pale yellow trumpets in summer that later produce seeds. Dyes can be created using the narrowleaf Stoneseed's roots.
Gromwell
Lithospermum officinale
Gromwell
The bushy plant known as gromwell (Lithospermum officinale) is not actually that common. It grows yellowish flowers and prefers alkaline soil. The name Gromwell comes from an Old French word, Gromil, and refers to the plant's seeds, with "mil" meaning "millet."
Hoary puccoon
Lithospermum canescens
Hoary puccoon
The hoary puccoon is a perennial wildflower native to eastern North America whose golden flowers bloom in the spring. The Native American Powhatan tribe once used the plant to make a red dye.
Western stoneseed
Lithospermum ruderale
Western stoneseed
Western stoneseed is a member of the borage family with pale yellow flowers. This perennial herb is native to northwestern North America. In the Algonquian language, this plant is called “puccoon,” meaning a "plant that yields dye." A purple dye can be extracted from the western stoneseed’s roots.
Carolina puccoon
Lithospermum caroliniense
Carolina puccoon
Another name for carolina puccoon (Lithospermum caroliniense) is hairy puccoon, and it’s indigenous to the midwestern United States and Canada. People dry out the roots and make a red dye from them. This species isn’t shade-tolerant in the least. So if you’re going to grow it in your garden, make sure you give it plenty of sunlight.
Tuberous stoneseed
Lithospermum tuberosum
Tuberous stoneseed
Tuberous stoneseed gets it common name from the hardness of its seeds. This member of the forget-me-not family produces yellow flowers in the spring among hairy leaves. It is native to the United States.
American stoneseed
Lithospermum latifolium
American stoneseed
American stoneseed (Lithospermum latifolium) is a hairy perennial herb from the midwestern United States. It grows in relatively dry, loamy soil in areas of partial sunlight. American stoneseed is most likely to be found in deciduous woodlands, wooded hillsides, and shaded riverbanks. A single taproot may sprout one or multiple stems.
Carolina puccoon
Lithospermum caroliniense var. croceum
Carolina puccoon
Lithospermum caroliniense, commonly known as the hairy puccoon or Carolina puccoon, is a flowering plant found in the Midwestern United States and Canadian provinces surrounding the Great Lakes. The plant grows in sandhills, pine barrens, and dry, sandy woods.
Lithospermum
Lithospermum erythrorhizon
Lithospermum
Lithospermum erythrorhizon, commonly called purple gromwell, red gromwell, red-root gromwell and redroot lithospermum, is a plant species in the genus Lithospermum. It is called zǐcǎo (紫草) in Chinese, jichi (지치) in Korean, and murasaki (ムラサキ; 紫) in Japanese. The dried root of Lithospermum erythrorhizon (lithospermum root or Lithospermi Radix) is a Chinese herbal medicine with various antiviral and biological activities, including inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1).
California stoneseed
Lithospermum californicum
California stoneseed
California stoneseed is a vibrant, herbaceous perennial prominent in Californian landscapes. It showcases narrow leaves and clusters of small yellow flowers, which elegantly bloom in the warmth of spring. Adapted to dry conditions, it thrives in open woodlands and foothills, its deep root system grasping for moisture. Its seed's bone-like hardness is a poignant testament to survival amidst the rugged terrain.
Heller's marbleseed
Lithospermum helleri
Heller's marbleseed
Heller's marbleseed is a perennial herb known for its vibrant blue to purple funnel-shaped flowers, which are especially adapted to attract pollinators. It thrives in well-drained soils of open woodlands and prairies, showcasing its adaptability. The plant exhibits hairy stems and leaves, a characteristic that helps retain moisture and deter herbivores, ensuring its survival in its native habitat.
Rough stoneseed
Lithospermum matamorense
Rough stoneseed
Rough stoneseed is a resilient perennial herb often found in the rocky soils of its native desert-like habitats. The plant showcases vibrant yellow flowers with a funnel-like shape, which bloom under the full sun and attract a variety of pollinators. It has narrow, rough-textured leaves that help retain moisture, a crucial adaptation for thriving in arid conditions. Rough stoneseed's distinctive seed, hard as stone, aids in its long-term survival and propagation.
Manyflowered stoneseed
Lithospermum multiflorum
Manyflowered stoneseed
Manyflowered stoneseed is characterized by its profuse blooming habit, displaying numerous funnel-shaped, typically vibrant blue flowers. This perennial herb, often found in well-drained soil of woodlands and natural grasslands, sports narrow, elongated leaves that contribute to a slender silhouette. The attractive blossoms not only add bursts of color but also play a role in the plant's adaptation by inviting pollinators, thus ensuring reproductive success. Elegant yet hardy, manyflowered stoneseed brings life to its native habitats with its floral display.
Smooththroat stoneseed
Lithospermum cobrense
Smooththroat stoneseed
Smooththroat stoneseed is a resilient perennial known for its clusters of yellow, funnel-shaped flowers and rough, hairy leaves. Thriving in rocky or sandy soils, it exhibits a robust adaptability to arid environments. The plant's grayish-green foliage and nutlet fruit add to its distinctive charm, attracting both human admirers and pollinators alike.
Hairy false gromwell
Lithospermum parviflorum
Hairy false gromwell
Hairy false gromwell is characterized by its small, bell-shaped flowers with a gentle bluish to purple hue. This herbaceous perennial often forms clusters, with narrow, lance-shaped leaves decorating its stems. Thriving in well-drained soils, hairy false gromwell adapts to open woodlands and prairies, where it attracts a range of pollinators with its subtle colors and delicate form.
Giant-trumpets
Lithospermum macromeria
Giant-trumpets
Giant-trumpets has a long history: it was said to be used by the Hopi Tribe in traditional rain-dance ceremonies. Nowadays, it is mainly used as an attractor for hummingbirds, as its thin and long flowers are only accessible for long-beaked birds. Though Giant-trumpets was named for its flowers, one of its defining features is the little hairs found on every part of the plant.
popular genus

More Popular Genus

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Dracaena
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Ficus
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Rubus
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Acer
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Solanum
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Rosa
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Quercus
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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Gromwells
Gromwells
Gromwells
Gromwells
Gromwells
Gromwells
Gromwells
Lithospermum
The fairly cosmopolitan gromwells genus includes species that have traditionally been used to make dyes. When cultivated, they are also often used for rockeries and ground cover. Gromwells_ are evergreen perennial shrubs with a mat-forming habit and small, hairy leaves. They are naturally found in meadows and roadsides.
Lifespan
Lifespan
Annual, Biennial
info

Key Facts About Gromwells

feedback
Feedback
feedback

Attributes of Gromwells

Leaf type
Semi-evergreen

Scientific Classification of Gromwells

distribution

Distribution of Gromwells

feedback
Feedback
feedback

Distribution Map of Gromwells

distribution map
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
care detail

How to Grow and Care for Gromwells

feedback
Feedback
feedback
The gromwells genus includes perennials that thrive in moderate conditions with good drainage. Basic Care Needs include full sun to partial shade exposure, light watering to prevent waterlogged soil, and average, well-draining soils. They are hardy to zones 4-8 with optimal temperatures between 60-75°F. Common Challenges are pests such as mealybugs, powdery mildew, and root rot. Seasonal Considerations include increased watering during the summer growing season and less watering during the winter dormancy period, with potential need for mulching in harsh winters.
More Info About Caring for Gromwells
species

Exploring the Gromwells Plants

feedback
Feedback
feedback
8 most common species:
Lithospermum incisum
Narrowleaf Stoneseed
Narrowleaf Stoneseed (Lithospermum incisum) is an herbaceous wildflower that grows across North America in prairies and open woodlands. It blooms two different kinds of flowers: big, showy lemon-yellow ones in early spring and smaller pale yellow trumpets in summer that later produce seeds. Dyes can be created using the narrowleaf Stoneseed's roots.
Lithospermum officinale
Gromwell
The bushy plant known as gromwell (Lithospermum officinale) is not actually that common. It grows yellowish flowers and prefers alkaline soil. The name Gromwell comes from an Old French word, Gromil, and refers to the plant's seeds, with "mil" meaning "millet."
Lithospermum canescens
Hoary puccoon
The hoary puccoon is a perennial wildflower native to eastern North America whose golden flowers bloom in the spring. The Native American Powhatan tribe once used the plant to make a red dye.
Lithospermum ruderale
Western stoneseed
Western stoneseed is a member of the borage family with pale yellow flowers. This perennial herb is native to northwestern North America. In the Algonquian language, this plant is called “puccoon,” meaning a "plant that yields dye." A purple dye can be extracted from the western stoneseed’s roots.
Show More Species

All Species of Gromwells

popular genus

More Popular Genus

feedback
Feedback
feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Ficus
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Rubus
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Acer
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Solanum
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Rosa
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Quercus
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
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80+ scholars in botany and gardening
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