© tylototriton, some rights reserved (CC-BY) · iNaturalist
Buglossoides spp.
gromwell
Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia
Overview
Buglossoides spp. is a genus of about 15 species of bristly-haired herbs in the borage family (Boraginaceae), native to Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia, and segregated from the related gromwells (Lithospermum spp.). The genus includes both annuals, such as the arable weed B. arvensis (corn gromwell), and spreading perennials, such as B. purpurocaerulea (purple gromwell). Plants are erect to sprawling, 4 to 32 inches (10 to 80 cm) tall, with narrow, rough, hairy leaves along the stems. The small funnel-shaped flowers are five-lobed and about 0.2 to 0.6 inch (5 to 15 mm) across, white in the corn gromwell and bright blue to violet in the perennial species, the latter often opening reddish and turning blue. Each flower gives way to hard, shiny nutlets. Buglossoides spp. grows on well-drained, often chalky soils in fields, banks, scrub, and woodland edges. The seed oil of B. arvensis is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and is grown commercially as a crop. Annual species can become weedy in cultivated ground.
Native Range
Buglossoides spp. is native to Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia, growing in fields, hedge banks, scrub, and open woodland, often on limy soils. B. arvensis has spread as an arable weed into North America and other temperate regions.Suggested Uses
Perennial species are grown as groundcover on sunny banks, in gravel gardens, and at the front of dry borders, while the annual corn gromwell is mainly an oilseed crop and field weed. The blue-flowered perennials give low colour among other drought-tolerant plants. Spacing of 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) suits the spreading perennials.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 2'8"
Width/Spread6" - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to blue or violetFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Buglossoides spp. grows in full sun on well-drained, neutral to alkaline soils with a pH of 6.0 to 8.0, tolerating chalk, sand, and loam. Established plants withstand drought and lean conditions. The perennial species spread by creeping stems to form patches and suit a sunny bank or border, while annual species are raised from seed and self-sow. Rich, damp soils encourage soft growth and reduce flowering. Little feeding is needed on average ground.Pruning
Trim perennial species lightly after flowering to keep them compact and limit spread. Pull or hoe annual plants before they set seed where self-sowing is unwanted. No other pruning is required.⚠️ Toxicity Warning
UnknownPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Direct Sow Timing
Annual species self-sow or are sown in spring or autumn; perennials are usually grown from division.
Days to Maturity
90–120 days
Plant Spacing
12 inches