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Description
Lithospermum Ruderale, commonly known as Western Stoneseed, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. The plant is native to western North America, particularly in the United States and Canada. It is commonly found in dry, rocky, and sandy areas such as deserts, grasslands, and foothills.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Lithospermum |
Appearance
Lithospermum Ruderale can grow up to 1-2 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. Its leaves are lanceolate and narrow, growing up to 4 inches long and 1 inch wide. The plant’s flowers are small, yellow, and tubular, growing in clusters at the end of the stems. The flowers bloom from May to August and are replaced by small, hard, and shiny seeds that resemble stones.
Care Guide
Lithospermum Ruderale is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to take care of this plant:- Water: The plant is drought-tolerant and can survive with minimal watering. Water the plant only when the soil is dry to the touch.- Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil during the growing season to boost growth.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. The soil should be sandy or loamy, and you can add compost or organic matter to improve soil quality.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: The plant can thrive in USDA hardiness zones 5-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lithospermum Ruderale is generally pest and disease-free. However, here are some common pests and diseases that can affect the plant:- Aphids: These insects can suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. You can control aphids by spraying the plant with a solution of water and dish soap.- Spider mites: These pests can cause yellowing and curling of leaves. You can control spider mites by spraying the plant with a solution of water and neem oil.- Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering and can cause the plant to wilt and die. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Lithospermum Ruderale is native to western North America, particularly in the United States and Canada. The plant is commonly found in dry, rocky, and sandy areas such as deserts, grasslands, and foothills.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Lithospermum Ruderale poisonous to humans?
A: No, Lithospermum Ruderale is not poisonous to humans.
Q: Can Lithospermum Ruderale be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Lithospermum Ruderale can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the plant receives enough sunlight.
Q: How often should I water Lithospermum Ruderale?
A: Water the plant only when the soil is dry to the touch, which can be once a week or less depending on the climate and soil conditions.
Q: How long does it take for Lithospermum Ruderale to bloom?
A: Lithospermum Ruderale blooms from May to August, depending on the climate and growing conditions.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Lithospermum Ruderale:- Lithospermum arvense- Lithospermum canescens- Lithospermum incisum- Lithospermum multiflorum- Lithospermum officinale
References
– “Lithospermum ruderale.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=278807&isprofile=0&- “Western stoneseed.” USDA Plants Database. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=LIRU.
