Lithospermum arvense 

'Field Gromwell'

(Syn. Buglossoides arvensis)

[Ex. Hampshire, England]

Boraginaceae: an upright, downy perennial to 40cm. found in arable fields and on dry, disturbed ground. The flowers are 3-4mm across, 5-lobed, white, in clusters, blooming from May-August. The fruit are warty, brown nutlets. The leaves are strap-shaped, blunter than those of Common Gromwell, and without the prominent side veins. Uncommon and found mainly in South and East England. Native to Central and southern Europe, including Britain, through Asia to the Himalayas.

USES:

With the increase of agricultural intensification following the war field gromwell has been in steep decline, however this situation may soon change. It has recently been discovered that field gromwell's seeds are extremely high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, both essential nutrients for humans, and trials are now underway to see if it can be grown as a crop.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Best sown in the autumn. The seed is relatively short-lived in the soil so the ground needs to be disturbed annually if the population is to persist. It is still mostly commonly associated with arable fields but can also be found on waste ground and other disturbed habitats particularly on lighter, calcareous soils.

HARVESTED: 

APPROX. 50+ SEEDS