Stoneseed

Showy Stoneseed
(Lithospermum incisum)

The name "Stoneseed" refers to the very hard stony seeds that are produced by plants in this genus. The generic name "Lithospermum" literally means "Stone-seed". The species name "incisum" refers to the toothed or fringed edges of the petals.

The flower blossoms of this species are quite large and showy. They are about an inch long, and are trumpet shaped.

The plants commonly grow in dry rocky places. They bloom in the spring and early summer.

(Lithospermum ruderale)

A species of stoneseed that is common in the foothills of the Wasatch mountains has smaller cream colored blossoms. Another species -- Gromwell (Lithospermum arvense) -- has tiny white flowers.

Some species of stoneseed were used by Native Americans as a birth control medicine.