Lemonweed

"Lemonweed" (Lithospermum ruderale)

2008 May 20

2008 May 20

2008 May 20

2007 June 20

2007 July 30

2007 August 9

The common name is due to the pale, yellow color of its flowers. The seeds were used as decorative beads so I had to make sure a got a picture of them. Other uses: an infusion was made from the roots to stop internal bleeding and as a diuretic for kidney complaints. Leaves and stems were dried and ground to a powder which was then made into a poultice to relieve rheumatic pain. The plant was made into a charm to call the rain in by one tribe and used, as a charm, to stop thundershowers by another tribe! A red or yellow dye was produced, most likely from the root.