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Boraginaceae
Gromwell
Lithospermum officinale
endurance.
- Family
- Boraginaceae
- Genus
- Lithospermum
- Native to
- Europe, Asia
- Bloom season
- Summer
- Type
- perennial
- Height
- 12-36 inches
- Sunlight
- full sun to partial shade
- Soil
- well-drained, alkaline
- Water
- low to moderate
- Hardiness
- 5-8
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- Gromwell produces hard, shiny white seeds that resemble tiny pearls or stones, giving it the genus name Lithospermum meaning 'stone seed.'
- The plant was used in folk medicine as a contraceptive by Native Americans and Europeans for centuries.
- Modern research has confirmed that gromwell contains lithospermic acid, which has anti-fertility properties.
- The extremely hard nutlets were once used as beads and have been found in archaeological sites across Europe.
- Gromwell roots produce a red-purple dye that was used as a cosmetic and fabric colorant in ancient times.
Color meanings
0
strength
1
permanence
2
steadfastness