| Lithospermum ruderale | |
|---|---|
| Lithospermum ruderale in Wenas Wildlife Area, Washington | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | (unplaced) |
| Family: | Boraginaceae |
| Subfamily: | Boraginoideae |
| Genus: | Lithospermum |
| Species: | L. ruderale |
| Binomial name | |
| Lithospermum ruderale Douglas ex Lehm. |
|
Lithospermum ruderale is a species of flowering plant in the borage family known by the common name western stoneseed. It is native to western Canada and the western United States, where it can be found in many types of habitat. It is a hairy perennial herb growing from a taproot and woody caudex. It produces a cluster of erect leafy stems 20 to 50 centimeters tall. The stems are lined with lance-shaped leaves up to 8 centimeters long. Bunches of flowers appear toward the top of the stem amongst the leaves. The corolla is light yellow and about a centimeter long and wide. This plant was used as a contraceptive by several Native American groups, including the Navajo and Shoshone.[1] Studies on mice showed the plant reduced their fertility.[2]
Media related to Lithospermum ruderale at Wikimedia Commons