Lithospermum canescens - (Michx.)Lehm.
(Michx.)Lehm.
Paint Indian, Hoary puccoon
gbif· cc-by-nc
Matt Tomlinson
gbif· cc-by-nc
Matt Tomlinson
gbif· cc-by-nc
Matt Tomlinson
Description
Lithospermum canescens is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Edible Uses
Colouring. The roots have been chewed with gum in order to colour the gum red. The flowers have been chewed with gum in order to colour it yellow.
Medicinal Uses
MiscellanyA tea made from the leaves is applied externally in the treatment of fevers accompanied by spasms.
Distribution
Eastern N. America - Ontario to Georgia, west to Saskatchewan and Texas.
Where It Grows
NORTHERN AMERICA: Canada (Ontario (southwest), Saskatchewan, Manitoba), United States (Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Iowa, Kansas (east), Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska (east), North Dakota, South Dakota, Illinois, Oklahoma (northeast), Wisconsin, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina (west), Tennessee, Virginia (west))
Cultivation
Requires a warm sunny position in a moderately fertile well-drained lime-free sandy soil.
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. It is best sown in a soilless medium. 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.
Other Uses
Dye MiscellanyA red dye is obtained from the root.
