Lithospermum canescens Lehm.

Stems from a stout taproot, often several (to ca 5), 1–4 dm at anthesis, usually simple; lvs lanceolate to narrowly oblong, 2–6 cm (or the lowest reduced), usually less than 25 below the infl, softly and densely canescent-strigose, obtuse; infl of 1–3 densely fld, terminal or subterminal, leafy-bracted cymes; fls heterostylic; cal-lobes linear, flat,3–6 mm at anthesis, 6–8 mm at maturity, densely villous; cor orange to light golden-yellow, the tube 7–10 mm, the limb 1–1.5 cm wide; nutlets ochroleucous, smooth and shining; 2n=14. Prairies and dry, open woods; sw. Ont. to Sask., s. to Tenn. and Tex., and in the mts. from Pa. to Ga. and Ala. Apr., May. The Appalachian plants tend to have more spreading pubescence than those from farther west.

It grows in dry prairies and open forests.

Caution: It affects hormone levels and probably should not be eaten. The gum is chewed with gum to turn it red and the flowers are chewed with gum to make it yellow.

Can be grown by cuttings or seedlings.