The species name is also spelt purpurocaeruleum. Some instances of this plant in the wild are thought to be naturalised, but most are natural. It is most common in southwest England.
Common name:
Purple gromwell
Family:
Scientific name:
Lithospermum purpureocaeruleum
Synonym:
Buglossoides purpurocaerulea
Main flower color:
Range:
Small, scattered areas of south England and south Wales
Height:
Up to 50 cm
Habitat:
Hedgerows, scrub and open woodland, on calcareous soils
Flowers:
Pink to reddish purple in bud then deep blue; funnel-shaped, up to 15 mm in diameter, with five rounded lobes. The calyx is divided to the base into narrow, linear lobes, covered with relatively long hairs, as are the pedicels. The corolla is up to twice as long as the calyx. Flowers are arranged in open, terminal clusters
Leaves:
Sessile, alternate, dark green, narrowly lanceolate, pointed at the tip, up to 7 cm long, with a prominent midvien and no side veins. Leaf surfaces are rough, the margins ciliate
Season:
April to June
Rarity:
★★★★★
