Lithospermum officinale L.
Family: Boraginaceae
common gromwell, European gromwell
Lithospermum officinale image
Emmet J. Judziewicz  
Lithospermum officinale image
Emmet J. Judziewicz  
Etymology: Lithospermum: from Greek lithos, "stone," and sperma, "seed"
Plants: erect, perennial, up to 3' tall forb, usually with many branches
Leaves: mostly stalkless or with very short stalks, lance-like, 1/4"-2/3" wide with 2-3 prominent veins on each side
Flowers: white, 5-parted, 1/4" long or less, funnel-shaped; solitary from the crowded, upper leaf axils; blooms May-Aug.
Fruits: nutlets egg-shaped, white to light brown, shiny, either smooth or with some pits fruit drawing
Habitat: disturbed areas
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized
Lithospermum officinale image
Emmet J. Judziewicz  
Lithospermum officinale image
Lithospermum officinale image
Botancial Illustration