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Carolina puccoon

Also known as: Carolina gromwell, Puccoon

Lithospermum caroliniense (Walt.) MacMill.

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Carolina puccoon
Carolina puccoon
Carolina puccoon
Carolina puccoon leaves
Carolina puccoon
Carolina puccoon flowers
Carolina puccoon sepals
Carolina puccoon
Carolina puccoon

Morphology

Stem
Erect, 1 to several, simple or branched above, rough-hairy.
Leaves
Alternate, simple, sessile, crowded, linear to lanceolate, 1 to 2.5 inches long, to 1/2 inch wide, rough-hairy, tiny bump at base of each hair; margins entire; tips somewhat pointed; basal leaves often absent at flowering.
Inflorescence
Cymes, leafy, terminal.
Flower
Calyces 5-lobed, stiff-hairy, much shorter than corollas; corollas showy, funnel- to trumpet-shaped, tube 1/2 to 3/4 inch long, top limb 1/2 to 1 inch wide, 5-lobed; stamens 5.
Fruit
Nutlets, 4, egg-shaped, hard, smooth, shiny, white, each containing 1 seed.

Ecology

Habitat
Open, sandy prairies and open woods.
Distribution
East 1/2 of Kansas.

Practical Information

Uses
Native Americans used the roots of puccoon to treat chest wounds and to produce red face paint and a red dye.

Additional Notes

Comments

Puccoon is difficult to transplant.

Special Notes: See also hoary puccoon and fringed puccoon .
Quick Facts
Plant Type
Wildflower
Family
Boraginaceae - Borage Family
Life Span
Perennial
Height
8-18 inches
Origin
Native
Last Updated
2007-07-26
Color Groups
Yellow Wildflowers
Flowering Period
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Blooms: May, June