Lithospermum officinale aka Common Gromwell
Taxonomy
Lithospermum officinale, also known as common gromwell or European stoneseed, is a perennial flowering plant in the family Boraginaceae. It is native to Eurasia and can grow up to 0.75 metres tall. This plant serves as a host for the Ethmia dodecea moth caterpillars. Lithospermum officinale is a valuable resource, as it is harvested from the wild for food, medicinal, and material purposes. Although it is a super rare houseplant, it can thrive with regular watering and direct light, ideally less than 1 foot away from a window.
Common names
Common Gromwell, Pearl Gromwell, GromwellHow to care for Common Gromwell
Difficulty
With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Common Gromwell, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.
Water
Common Gromwell should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Common Gromwell prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it is common for Common Gromwell plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.
Region of origin
Common Gromwell’s native range is Europe, including Britain, except the extreme southwest and north, east to Iran and the Caucasus.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Lithospermum Genus
Lithospermum erythrorhizon Purple Gromwell
Lithospermum helleri Heller's Marbleseed
Lithospermum ruderale Western Gromwell
Lithospermum parviflorum Eastern Prairie Marbleseed
Lithospermum occidentale Western False Gromwell
Lithospermum incisum Fringed Gromwell
Lithospermum latifolium American Stoneseed
Lithospermum caroliniense Hairy Puccoon
Lithospermum tuberosum Southern Stoneseed
