Lithospermum caroliniense explained

Lithospermum caroliniense, commonly known as the hairy puccoon or Carolina puccoon or Plains puccoon,[1] is a flowering plant found in the Midwestern United States and Canadian provinces surrounding the Great Lakes.[2] The plant grows in sandhills, pine barrens, and dry, sandy woods.[3]

Description

Dr. Robert W. Poole and Dr. Patricia Gentili describe the hairy puccoon as follows:[4]

Flowers large (up to 1 inch in diameter) yellow-orange with 5 petals and basal parts of petals fused into a long corolla tube. Stamens hidden in corolla tube. Flowers arranged in a flat-topped cluster or weakly curled, short sprays. Stem and leaves coarsely hairy. Leaves broadest in the middle, tapering at either end, and outer margin smooth. Plant 1 to 2.5 feet in height.

Cultivation and uses

To cultivate Lithospermum caroliniense a warm sunny position in a moderately fertile well-drained lime-free sandy soil is needed.

A red dye is obtained from the dried or pulverized roots. The powdered root has also been used in the treatment of chest wounds.[3]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: PLAINS PUCCOON. 2021-05-31. Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
  2. http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=LICA13 United States Department of Agriculture
  3. http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Lithospermum+caroliniense Plants for a Future
  4. http://www.nearctica.com/flowers/borag/Lcarol.htm nearctica