Herb: Paint Indian


Latin name: Lithospermum canescens


Family: Boraginaceae (Borage Family)



Medicinal use of Paint Indian:

A tea made from the leaves is applied externally in the treatment of fevers accompanied by spasms.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
15 cm
(6 inches)

Flowering:
May to
June

Habitat of the herb:

Dry or sandy open woods, prairies etc.

Edible parts of Paint Indian:

The roots have been chewed with gum in order to colour the gum red. The flowers have been chewed with gum in order to colour it yellow.

Other uses of the herb:

A red dye is obtained from the root.

Propagation of Paint Indian:

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. It is best sown in a soilless medium. 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.

Cultivation of the herb:

Dry or sandy open woods, prairies etc.

Known hazards of Lithospermum canescens:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.