Lithospermum tuberosum Rugel ex A. DC.

Tuberous Gromwell; Southern Stoneseed

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Tuberous Gromwell is a native perennial in the Borage family (Boraginaceae). It can be found in all but the southernmost counties in Alabama. Tuberous Gromwell grows in mesic hardwood forests, in rocky woods, in prairie woods, in ravines, and on bluffs. Tuberous Gromwell is most common in areas underlain by limestone. It is a perennial with thickened tuberous-like roots. Stems are from 6-15 inches in height. The stems branch in the upper portions. The stems are covered in long hairs. Leaves are basal and cauline. The basal leaves form a rosette that persist until flowering. Leaves are oblanceolate to elliptic in outline, entire, and pubescent. The hairs on the leaves have a swollen base (postulate). Stem leaves are alternate and smaller than basal leaves. Flowers are produced in leafy-bracted cymes. The cymes continue to elongate as flowering and fruiting progresses. The corolla is yellowish or greenish-white in color. The corolla has a short tube and five spreading star shaped lobes. The fruit is a white, wrinkled, and stone-like mericarp.--A. Diamond

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Native

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