Lithospermum incisum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lithospermum incisum |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Lithospermum
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| Species: |
incisum
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Lithospermum incisum is a type of flowering plant. It belongs to the borage family. This plant has many common names. Some of these include narrowleaf stoneseed, fringed gromwell, and plains stoneseed. It grows naturally across much of central Canada and the United States. You can find it in many different kinds of places.
Meet the Narrowleaf Stoneseed!
This plant is a perennial herb. This means it lives for more than two years. It has a taproot that goes deep into the ground. It also has a woody base called a caudex. From this base, it grows a bunch of stems. These stems can reach about 30 centimeters (about 12 inches) long.
What Does It Look Like?
The stems of the narrowleaf stoneseed have thin, pointed leaves. These leaves can be up to 6 centimeters (about 2.4 inches) long. The plant produces beautiful flowers. They are shaped like slender trumpets. Their color can be pale yellow, bright yellow, or even gold. These flowers can grow up to 4 centimeters (about 1.6 inches) long. The wide part of the flower, called the corolla face, is 1 to 2 centimeters wide. Sometimes, the edges of the flower petals look a bit ruffled.
Traditional Uses of the Plant
Native American people have used this plant for a long time. They used it in traditional medicine. For example, they would grind the leaves, roots, and stems. Then, they would rub this mixture on limbs to help with stiffness.
The Zuni people used the powdered root as a salve. They would apply it to swollen body parts. They also made a poultice from the root. A poultice is like a soft, moist pack. They used it for swelling and sore throats. A decoction (a strong tea) made from the plant was also taken for these issues.
The powdered root was sometimes mixed with plant resin. This mixture was used for scrapes and skin problems. An infusion (another type of tea) made from the root was taken for stomach aches and kidney issues. The leaves of the plant were also used in a unique way. They were tied to arrow shafts near the point. This was done during wartime.
