Lithospermum officinale

A perennial that stands upright with closely held clusters of long spiky leaves. It extends upwards becoming more open, even attenuated, finally making a fan shape. There are small tubular yellow flowers. They are not wildly ornamental. It will extend its territory over time. It is a native plant found in limestone areas in England and Wales. Lithospermum have been used as a dye plant and forms have a long use in Chinese medicine. Some parts of the plant are said to have carcinogenic properties.