"Lemonweed" (Lithospermum ruderale)
2008 May 20
2008 May 20
2008 May 20
2007 June 20
2007 July 30
2007 August 9The 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.
