Shrubby gromwell (Lithodora fruticosa, Spic. Fl. Rumel. 2: 85 (1844))

Family: Boraginaceae

Author: (L.) Griseb.

Bibliography: Spic. Fl. Rumel. 2: 85 (1844)

Year: 1844

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lithodora

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. France to NW. Africa

Description

Shrubby gromwell, scientifically known as Lithodora fruticosa, is a fascinating member of the Boraginaceae family. This enduring and vibrant plant was botanically classified and documented in the mid-19th century within the literature “Spic. Fl. Rumel. 2: 85 (1844)” by the notable botanist (L.) Griseb.

Native to a range extending from Southern France to Northwestern Africa, this hardy shrub thrives in the Mediterranean climate. Its natural habitat sees the plant embedded in rocky hillsides and open woodlands, where it benefits from well-drained soils and plenty of sunlight.

Botanically, the shrubby gromwell is recognized for its dense, woody structure, which makes it an ideal candidate for gardening and landscape projects aimed at creating enduring foliage. The plant typically showcases rich, dark green lanceolate leaves that are both evergreen and slightly hairy, providing a unique texture to the plant’s overall appearance.

The flowers of Lithodora fruticosa are another highlight, usually presenting in shades of deep blue or violet, although variations can occur based on growing conditions. These blossoms not only add aesthetic value but also play a vital role in attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies, thereby enhancing the ecosystem’s health and biodiversity.

Resilient and relatively low-maintenance, the shrubby gromwell is a preferred choice for creating ground cover or for inclusion in rock gardens where its sprawling habit can be fully appreciated. It’s advisable to plant it in locations that mirror its natural settings—those that offer well-drained soil conditions and full to partial sun exposure.

Whether appreciated for its beautiful foliage, lovely flowers, or its adaptability, Lithodora fruticosa stands out as a plant of considerable interest, seamlessly blending ornamental appeal with ecological functionality.

Common Names

Eng: shrubby gromwell
En: Shrubby gromwell
Ar: ليثودورا فروتيكوسا
Ca: Herba de les set sagnies, Sanguinària blava, Sanguinària de flor blava
Fr: Grémil ligneux
De: Strauchiger Steinsame
Sk: Kamejkovka drevinová
Es: Aljedrones, Asperones, Chupamieles, Carrasquilla arbustiva, Hierba de las siete sangrías
: Hierba de las siete sangrias

Synonyms

• Lithospermum chamaecistus (Pourr. ex Willk. & Lange)
• Lithospermum hispidulum var. grandiflorum (Sennen)
• Lithodora consobrina ((Pomel) I.M.Johnst.)
• Gymnoleima fruticulosum (Decne.)
• Lithospermum collinum (Salisb.)
• Lithospermum fruticosum var. grandiflorum (Sennen)
• Lithospermum purpureocoeruleum (Thore)
• Lithospermum fruticosum var. canum (Porta & Rigo ex Willk.)
• Margarospermum fruticosum ((L.) Fourr.)
• Lithospermum fruticosum var. consobrinum ((Pomel) Maire)
• Lithospermum consobrinum (Pomel)
• Lithospermum fruticosum f. consobrinum ((Pomel) Sauvage & Vindt)
• Rhytispermum fruticosum ((L.) Link)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• France (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Spain (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 16, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 23, 2018 by Marcos Rivas Campoamor (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 19, 2018 by César Gonzalez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 15, 2017 by Eric Rebsamen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2021 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

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

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

Habit

Taken Apr 5, 2020 by Koukou Cali (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 21, 2021 by jean-jacques kelner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 6, 2015 by Émile Maurice (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 15, 2017 by Eric Rebsamen (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 26, 2018 by nacho sanchez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2018 by francois tissot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2020 by Luis U (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken May 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 19, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Raymond HALLOT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 16, 2022 by Manū (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Feb 23, 2019 by Bart Batsleer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 11, 2021 by Ll-C Josep (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 6, 2021 by o12galaj (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 5, 2021 by solange MONJOL DELPHINE (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5661164)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:117926-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lithodora fruticosa (L.) Griseb.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Subshrub

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 3

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’]

Soil nutriments: 3