Lithospermum caroliniense

Carolina puccoon Description:

Lithospermum caroliniense, commonly known as Carolina puccoon or hound's tongue, is a perennial wildflower that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. It is native to North America and is found in a variety of habitats, including prairies, meadows, and woodlands.

Carolina puccoon is a showy plant that can grow up to 60 cm (2 feet) tall and produces vibrant yellow flowers that bloom during the spring and summer months. Each flower can measure up to 2 cm (0.8 inches) in diameter and features five petals with a tubular center. The flowers are highly attractive to a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

In addition to its ornamental value, Carolina puccoon has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine. The plant's roots were used to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory issues, inflammation, and skin irritations. The plant also contains natural dyes that have been used for centuries to color fabrics and textiles.

Carolina puccoon is also an important plant for conservation, as it provides critical habitat for a variety of wildlife species. Efforts are being made to protect and preserve the plant's natural habitat and ensure the survival of this important plant species. Carolina puccoon is also popular in gardening and landscaping, where it adds a splash of color and a touch of wildness to any outdoor space.

Native Range:

Carolina puccoon grows natively in Minnesota's Eastern regions and more boradly in Central and Eastern United States.

Standard Plant Information:

Plant Height: 6" - 24" inches

Bloom Time: May - July

Preferred Habitat: Does well in part shade to full sun and dry sandy soil. Often found in prairies, open woodland, woodland edges.

Sowing:

For most homeowners, the best option is to scatter seed on the ground by hand broadcasting at a minimum of 16-64 pls ounces per acre. For even coverage, we recommend that you broadcast seed in perpendicular rows across the site to ensure even coverage.

You’ll want to broadcast any grass seed first, which will get raked into the soil lightly. Next, it is ideal to mulch the area lightly with either a clean (no seed) straw or preferably with our native Little Bluestem straw, sold at our retail garden centers. After a light mulching is complete, now it’s time to broadcast your native wildflower seeds, which should not be raked into the soil. A good rain or watering is sufficient to cover the seed.

Planting:

Simply dig a hole in the soil slightly larger than the plant’s roots. Ensure that the soil line of the plant is maintained during the transfer (i.e. the plant should be at the same level with the ground as it was in the pot). Pack any loose dirt back around the plant and make sure you water it well the same day to ensure it has the best chance of survival.