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Lithospermum Parviflorum

Lithospermum Parviflorum

Description

Lithospermum Parviflorum, commonly known as small-flowered gromwell, is a native herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. It grows up to 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide, with multiple branching stems. The plant produces clusters of small tubular flowers that are white or pale blue in color, blooming from May to July. The foliage is lance-shaped and slightly hairy. The plant is commonly found in rocky or gravelly soil in prairies, open woods, and savannas.

Taxonomic Information

Domain Eukarya
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Spermatophyta
Class Magnoliopsida
Order Boraginales
Family Boraginaceae
Genus Lithospermum

Appearance

The small-flowered gromwell has a bushy appearance, with multiple branching stems that are slightly hairy. The plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide. The foliage is lance-shaped and can grow up to 5 inches long. The leaves are dark green and slightly hairy. The plant produces clusters of small tubular flowers that are white or pale blue in color, blooming from May to July. The flowers are about ΒΌ inch wide and are arranged in spikes. The plant produces small, hard, nut-like fruits that are 4-angled.

Care Guide

Water: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.

Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.

Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.

Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.

Common Pests & Diseases

The small-flowered gromwell is generally free from pests and diseases, but it may occasionally be affected by spider mites, aphids, or powdery mildew. To prevent these problems, keep the plant well-watered and fertilized, and prune away any damaged or diseased foliage.

Habitat

The small-flowered gromwell is commonly found in rocky or gravelly soil in prairies, open woods, and savannas. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant is native to the central and eastern United States, from Minnesota to Texas, and eastward to the Atlantic coast.

Question and Answer

Q: Is small-flowered gromwell a good plant for a beginner gardener?

A: Yes, small-flowered gromwell is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for, making it a good choice for beginner gardeners.

Q: Does small-flowered gromwell attract pollinators?

A: Yes, small-flowered gromwell is a good source of nectar for bees and butterflies.

Q: Can small-flowered gromwell be grown in containers?

A: Yes, small-flowered gromwell can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.

Q: How often should small-flowered gromwell be fertilized?

A: Small-flowered gromwell should be fertilized once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.

Related Plants

Here are some related plants to small-flowered gromwell:

  • Lithospermum canescens
  • Lithospermum caroliniense
  • Lithospermum incisum
  • Lithospermum latifolium

References

  • “Lithospermum parviflorum.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=278113.
  • “Lithospermum parviflorum.” USDA NRCS, plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=LIPA2.

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