Lemonweed or Stoneseed (Lithospermum ruderale) is a spring-flowering perennial found in the dry grasslands and open forests at lower elevations.   From a woody taproot, several hairy stems grow up to 1 – 1.5 m.   Lanceolate or linear leaves grow alternately up the stems.    The inflorescence has clusters of small yellow flowers, with a pale yellow corolla and petals fused at the base formed into a long tube, with a short style at the center.

After flowering small nutlets form in the summer (hence, the name western stoneseed).     We first see the stems growing up in mid-April and by the end of April and into May we encounter many in flower.

All photos by the author.   Click an image for a lightbox (larger) view:

Lemonweed/stoneseed was used by traditional people for a number of medicinal and cultural uses.