This is an archived copy of this article, recovered after a server failure in January 2022.

Some links may be broken, and editing is disabled. We are working to bring back full functionality.

Uses

Edible uses

There are no edible uses listed for Lithospermum erythrorhizon.

Material uses

A purple dye is obtained from the root[1][2][3]. It is harvested in the spring[4]. It is much liked but the colour is fugitive and production costs high[5].

Unknown part

Dye

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

All parts of the plant are antitumor, cardiotonic, contraceptive, depurative and febrifuge[6][5][7][3][8]. It is used internally in the treatment of irritant skin conditions, measles, chicken pox, boils, carbuncles, hepatitis and skin cancer[8]. Externally it is used to treat nappy rash, burns, cuts, wounds, abscesses, eczema and haemorrhoids[6][5][7][3][8]. The plant is an ingredient of commercial skin care creams[8]. The plants are harvested when in flower, the roots in the autumn[8]. They are dried for later use[8].

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

Cuttings.

Division in the autumn[8].

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Lithospermum erythrorhizon. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Requires a warm sunny position in a moderately fertile well-drained soil[9][10]. Prefers a neutral to alkaline soil and also succeeds in partial shade[8].

Plants are hardy to at least -15°c[8].

This species is cultivated in Japan[1] (as a dye plant?).

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Lithospermum erythrorhizon. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Lithospermum erythrorhizon.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Lithospermum erythrorhizon
Genus
Lithospermum
Family
Boraginaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
6
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    ?
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type

    "image:Lithospermum erythrorhizon.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Lithospermum erythrorhizon.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Lithospermum erythrorhizon.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Lithospermum erythrorhizon.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Lithospermum erythrorhizon.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.



    "image:Lithospermum erythrorhizon.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Lithospermum erythrorhizon.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Lithospermum erythrorhizon.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Lithospermum erythrorhizon.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Lithospermum erythrorhizon.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Lithospermum erythrorhizon.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Lithospermum erythrorhizon.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Lithospermum erythrorhizon.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.






    References

    1. ? 1.01.11.2 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.1 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.23.33.4 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (1985-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.1 Stuart. Rev. G. A. Chinese Materia Medica. Taipei. Southern Materials Centre ()
    5. ? 5.05.15.25.35.4 Kariyone. T. Atlas of Medicinal Plants. ()
    6. ? 6.06.16.2 ? A Barefoot Doctors Manual. Running Press ISBN 0-914294-92-X ()
    7. ? 7.07.17.2 Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles (1985-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.18.28.38.48.58.68.78.88.9 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    9. ? F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    10. ? Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    11. ? Ohwi. G. Flora of Japan. (English translation) Smithsonian Institution (1965-00-00)
    12. ? [Flora of China] (1994-00-00)

    "image:Lithospermum erythrorhizon.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.