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Common Name: Narrow-Leaf Gromwell

General Information

Lithospermum incisum is a perennial plant that can grow up to 0.30 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Central N. America - British Columbia to Manitoba, south to Illinois, Texas and Arizona.

Habitat

Dry soils of plains, foothills and ridges in mountains to 2100 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a warm sunny position in a moderately fertile well-drained soil[, ]. Dislikes acid soils[].
After producing large, conspicuous flowers in the spring, the plant produces lots of small very fertile cleistogamous flowers[].

Edible Uses

Root - cooked[, , , ]. Eaten boiled or roasted[].
The root has been used to make a tea[].

Medicinal

The root has been chewed by some native North American Indian tribes as a treatment for colds[].
The finely powdered leaves, root and stem have been rubbed on the body in the treatment of paralyzed limbs[].
An infusion of the root has been used in the treatment of stomach aches and kidney problems[].
The plant has been eaten as an oral contraceptive and also as a treatment for lung haemorrhages, coughs and colds[].
A cold infusion of the pulverized root and seed has been used as an eyewash[].
This plant was used as a medicine by various native North American Indian tribes and interest in the plant has revived recently as a possible source of modern drugs[]. No more details are given.

Other Uses

The dried plant tops have been burnt as an incense[].
A blue dye has been obtained from the roots[]. A red dye is obtained from the roots[]. It is quite possible that both colours can be obtained, depending on the mordant used[].
The seeds have been used as beads[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings.
Division.