Fringed gromwell (Lithospermum incisum, Pl. Asperif. Nucif.: 303 (1818))

Family: Boraginaceae

Author: Lehm.

Bibliography: Pl. Asperif. Nucif.: 303 (1818)

Year: 1818

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lithospermum

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & S. U.S.A. to N. & W. Mexico

Description

The Fringed Gromwell, scientifically known as Lithospermum incisum, is a captivating species belonging to the family Boraginaceae. Described in the botanical literature “Pl. Asperif. Nucif.: 303” by Lehm. in 1818, this plant has captivated botanists and plant enthusiasts alike for over two centuries.

This perennial herb is indigenous to a wide range of regions in the United States and Mexico, particularly thriving in the central and southern United States, extending its reach into northern and western Mexico. Such a broad distribution makes it a familiar sight to many who traverse these diverse landscapes.

Characteristic of the Boraginaceae family, the Fringed Gromwell showcases strikingly fringed petals that often mesmerize onlookers with their delicate beauty. The flowers typically exhibit a vibrant yellow hue, contributing a splash of color to the arid to semi-arid environments in which they are frequently found. The finely cut fringes lining the petal edges give this plant a dainty, almost lace-like appearance, fitting of its common name.

The Fringed Gromwell is adapted to thrive in its native regions, often growing in rocky or sandy soils where it can benefit from well-drained conditions. Its resilience and adaptability make it an important species within its ecosystem, providing aesthetic value and contributing to the biodiversity of the habitats it occupies.

As an enduring subject of botanical interest, Lithospermum incisum continues to be a significant plant for both scientific research and horticultural appreciation, highlighting the diverse beauty and adaptability of flora native to North America.

Common Names

Eng: fringed gromwell, fringed puccoon, narrowleaf gromwell, narrowleaf pucoon, narrowleaf stoneseed, trumpet stoneseed, narrow-leaved puccoon, incised puccoon, narrow-leaved gromwell, narrow-leaved stoneseed, yellow gromwell
Fra: grémil incisé
En: Fringed gromwell, Narrowleaf stoneseed, Fringed puccoon, NARROWLEAF GROMWELL, Narrowleaf puccoon, Trumpet stoneseed, Narrowleaf pucoon, Narrow-leaved puccoon, Incised puccoon, Narrow-leaved gromwell, Narrow-leaved stoneseed, Yellow gromwell
Fr: Grémil incisé

Synonyms

• Lithospermum longiflorum ((Pursh) Spreng.)
• Lithospermum angustifolium (Michx.)
• Lithospermum helianthemoides (Shuttlew. ex DC.)
• Cyphorima longiflora (Raf.)
• Lithospermum breviflorum (Engelm. & A.Gray)
• Lithospermum linearifolium (Goldie)
• Pentalophus longiflorus ((Pursh) DC.)
• Pentalophus mandanensis ((Spreng.) DC.)
• Lithospermum mandanense (Spreng.)
• Lithospermum asperum (A.Nelson)
• Lithospermum ciliolatum (Greene)
• Cyphorima decumbens ((Nutt.) Raf.)
• Lithospermum multiflorum (S.Watson)
• Lithospermum albicans (Greene)
• Lithospermum breviflorum var. punctulatum (Engelm.)
• Batschia decumbens (Nutt.)
• Cyphorima linearifolia (Lunell)
• Batschia longiflora (Pursh)
• Cyphorima angustifolia (Nieuwl.)
• Lithospermum oblongum (Greene)
• Heliotropium helianthemoides (Shuttlew. ex A.DC.)
• Cyphorima mandanensis ((Spreng.) Lunell)
• Lithospermum longiflorum var. mirabile (Brand)

Distribution

• Alberta (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Florida (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Texas (native)
• Utah (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 17, 2022 by Quantum Enigma (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 6, 2019 by augustine (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2020 by Michaela G (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2019 by Lopez Ron (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2019 by Melissat (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 5, 2020 by Kuzma Kristal (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2020 by julien blundell (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 5, 2015 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 4, 2015 by EOL − Kristal Potts (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 6, 2015 by EOL − Carolyn Gritzmaker (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 6, 2015 by EOL − Carolyn Gritzmaker (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 11, 2015 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken Apr 16, 2015 by EOL − andy (cc-by-nc)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2926074)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:118088-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lithospermum incisum Lehm.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth