Introduction to Lithodora fruticosa: the evergreen flowering shrub
Lithodora fruticosa is a perennial subshrub of the Boraginaceae family, which stands out in the western Mediterranean landscape thanks to its resistance, natural beauty, and ecological and medicinal value. It is popularly known as seven-bleeding herb, bloodroot, shrubby holm oak o blood grassThis species is representative of scrublands, sunny slopes, and pine forest clearings, especially in dry, calcareous soils of southeastern France, the Iberian Peninsula, and northwestern Africa.
In addition to their intense blue-violet flowers, is appreciated both for its ornamental value in low maintenance gardens as well as for its multiple traditional and medicinal uses recognized for centuries.
Taxonomy, names and synonyms
Lithodora fruticosa is framed in the following taxonomic classification:
- Kingdom: Plant
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Magnoliopside
- Subclass: Asteridae
- Order: lamiales
- Family: Boraginaceae
- Subfamily: Boraginoideae
- Tribe: Lithospermeae
- Gender: Lithodora
- Species: Lithodora fruticosa (L.) Griseb.
It has numerous common and vernacular names in different languages and regions, such as:
- Spanish: seven-blooded herb, bloodroot, bush holm oak, sandwort, blood herb, sandwort, zamarrilla, blood thyme, old-fashioned vine, bear grape.
- Catalan: aspró, asprella, botges, botgeta gangren
- Basque: axeri-buztan.
- Portuguese: woodpecker.
In taxonomy, it has received synonyms such as Lithodora consobrina y Lithospermum fruticosum.
Etymology of the name
The epithet fruity It comes from the Latin fruticosus, which means “full of shoots or stems,” alluding to its bushy and branched appearance. The name of the genus Lithodora It derives from Greek and can be translated as “gift of stone”, possibly due to its preference for stony and calcareous soils.
Botanical description of Lithodora fruticosa
Lithodora fruticosa is a low-growing subshrub which usually measures between 20 and 100 cm high. It has erect stems, highly branched and covered with a rough, hairy texture, especially in the young parts, which show tones grayish or whitish due to its dense covering of short hairs. Older stems develop a cracked, brown bark.
Its leaves They are small, linear or elliptical, up to 24 mm long and 2-3 mm wide, with revolute edges and an alternating arrangement. The upper surface is setose-hispid, and the underside is white-tomentose with a distinct midrib. They have a rough feel and are covered with hairs up to 1 mm long on both the upper surface and the underside.
The flowers of Lithodora fruticosa are its most striking feature: intense blue-violet, occasionally reddish, grouped in dense inflorescences called cymesEach flower has a tubular corolla measuring 5–14 mm in diameter, with five slightly hairy lobes on the outer surface. The calyx is hairy, shorter than the corolla tube, and has pointed lobes. The flowers have five stamens, a pentamerous perianth, and yellowish anthers.
El fruit is dry, dividing into ovoid nuts 3,5-4,5 mm long, slightly curved and with colors that vary between grayish-white and dark gray.
Flowering and reproductive season
La flowering Lithodora fruticosa is produced mainly between February and July, which may extend somewhat longer depending on the weather. During these months, the Mediterranean gardens and scrublands They are filled with color thanks to their blue inflorescences, which serve as an attraction for pollinating insects.
The reproductive cycle continues with the ripening of the fruits in the form of nutlets, which fall near the parent plant or can be dispersed locally by environmental and animal factors.
Habitat and natural distribution
Lithodora fruticosa es endemic to the western Mediterranean, which means that it develops naturally primarily in:
- Southeast France
- Much of the east and southeast of the Iberian Peninsula, especially in regions such as Levante, Aragon, Catalonia, the Valencian Community and areas of eastern Andalusia
- Northwest Africa: Algeria and Morocco
Within the Iberian Peninsula, its presence is rare or anecdotal in the western half, but it is abundant in areas with dry and sunny climates, from sea level to altitudes above 2.000 meters.
El typical habitat of this species are the poor, calcareous or marly soils, poorly developed, as well as rocky areas, exposed slopes, clearings in pine and oak forests, and areas of xerophytic scrub. It even tolerates gypsum soils and arid environments.
Ecological characteristics and phytosociological behavior
Lithodora fruticosa it's a kind chamephyte, that is, a woody or herbaceous plant that lives for several years and maintains its growth buds close to the ground. It is considered indicating moderate dryness and the presence of alkaline or basic soils, especially limestone. For more information on similar plants, you can visit perennial flowering vines.
It is characteristic of order Rosmarinetalia officinalis and of the class Rosmarinetea officinalis, being common in communities of rosemary, thyme and other species typical of dry and sun-loving Mediterranean scrublands. It can share space with species such as Thymus vulgaris, Rosmarinus officinalis, Globularia alypum and many other bushes and small shrubs typical of this environment.
- Light tolerance: Prefers full light, although it tolerates some shade
- Drought resistance: Very tall, ideal for xeriscaping
- Salinity: Does not tolerate salt in the substrate
- Nutrients: It develops in soils poor in nitrogen
Seed dispersal and survival strategies
La seed dispersal Lithodora fruticosa is local and non-specialized. The estimated seed weight is 8,7 mg, and the average plant height is around 46 cm. The seeds usually fall close to the parent plant, promoting the formation of dense, erosion-resistant thickets. For more information on hardy plants in similar conditions, see plants with white flowers.
These strategies dispersion and its adaptation to poor soils make the species an excellent resource for the ecological restoration of degraded areas and for the conservation of biodiversity in areas affected by desertification.
Medicinal properties and traditional uses
Lithodora fruticosa has been historically used as a medicinal plant, especially in traditional folk medicine. Its name "herb of seven bloodlettings" is linked to its use as a remedy to "thin the blood," a common practice when therapeutic bloodletting was common.
Among its main documented medicinal properties include:
- Hypotensive: helps lower blood pressure
- Hypocholesterolemic: helps lower cholesterol levels
- Febrifuge: useful for relieving feverish states
- Antiseptic: allows wounds to be disinfected
- Vulneraria: promotes the healing of sores and superficial wounds
- Anticatarrhal: indicated for flu and colds
The leaves and flowers They are traditionally collected for the preparation of medicinal infusions that concentrate these benefits. However, it is important to consult a specialist before using them medicinally, as doses and uses must be evaluated with scientific rigor. For more information on medicinal plants, you can visit care of Guinean joy.
Ornamental value and landscape applications
One of the most appreciated aspects of Lithodora fruticosa is its ornamental value. Their blue-violet flowers contribute a vibrant color note to dry gardens and xeriscapes. Due to its drought resistance and tolerance to poor soils, it is an ideal choice for low-maintenance gardens and sustainable landscaping projects.
- You can plant this subshrub in rockeries, borders, flowerbeds and slopes.
- It works well both in groups as isolated, enhancing the beauty of Mediterranean gardens.
- Thanks to its hardiness, it can coexist with aromatic species and other perennials resistant to water stress.
Growing and caring for Lithodora fruticosa
La cultivation of Lithodora fruticosa It is simple as long as its ecological preferences are respected:
- Solar exposition: It needs full sun to grow vigorously and bloom abundantly.
- Floors: It prefers well-drained, calcareous or neutral substrates, although it can tolerate some alkalinity. It is relatively undemanding in terms of nutrients.
- Irrigation: It tolerates long periods without water; it requires occasional watering only in very dry summers or after planting.
- Pruning: It does not require regular pruning, although removing dry or damaged branches will improve its appearance and health.
- Plagues and diseases: It is resistant to most pests and diseases, minimizing the need for phytosanitary treatments.
- Multiplication: It can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. Seeds are best sown in the fall, while cuttings can be obtained in spring or late summer.
Its low maintenance and lack of special requirements make it a perfect plant for both beginner and expert gardeners.
Ecological importance and biodiversity
Lithodora fruticosa is a key element in the ecology of Mediterranean scrublands thanks to its ability to:
- Provide nectar to pollinating insects such as bees, butterflies and other hymenoptera.
- Protect the soil against erosion due to its dense root system and bushy growth habit.
- Favor the recovery of degraded areas and contribute to the slope and hillside stabilization.
It is a highly valued species in environmental restoration plans and as a component of the Natura 2000 and other natural habitat conservation projects.
Related species and differences
Within the genus Lithodora there are related species, among which stands out Lithodora diffusa, also widely used in gardening. Lithodora diffusa is distinguished mainly by its wider leaves and flowers, which tend to be lighter blue and of varying sizes. To learn more about its characteristics, you can visit .
Curiosities, ethnobotany and glossary
History and popular culture have valued Lithodora fruticosa not only for its medicinal and aesthetic usefulness, but also for various curiosities and ethnobotanical references:
- Ritual uses: In certain rural areas it was used in purification rituals and as a natural talisman.
- Popular names: Its wide variety of names in different languages demonstrates its close connection with local communities.
- Etymology: The term “seven-bleeding herb” derives from its association with healing through therapeutic bleeding, which was common in pre-modern medicine.
To better understand the botanical terms used in the description of this species, a glossary with the following concepts:
- Subshrub: a low, woody plant with lignified branches mainly at the base.
- Inflorescence: set of flowers grouped at the end of the stems.
- Corolla: set of petals that make up the showy and colorful part of the flower.
- Revoluto: leaves whose edges curve backwards, highlighting their xerophytic adaptation.
- Nut: small dried fruit typical of many Boraginaceae.
- Setose/hispid: covered with hairs or stiff bristles.
Ecological indicators according to Ellenberg
According to the Ellenberg scale of ecological indicators, Lithodora fruticosa shows his preferences:
- Light: high value, grows optimally in full sun
- Temperature: Withstands extreme heat and very hot areas
- Acidity: prefers soils with a pH between 5.5 and 8, indicating alkalinity
- Humidity: It tolerates dryness well, but is not suitable for waterlogged soils.
- Nitrogen: thrives in poor substrates
If you'd like to learn more about similar species, check out , too.
Bibliography and resources for further information
If you want to deepen your knowledge about Lithodora fruticosaWe recommend that you consult the following sources and specialized bibliography:
- Iberian flora. Vol. XI. Gentianaceae-Boraginaceae. Castroviejo Bolibar, Santiago & al.
- Global Ecology and Biogeography for disturbance and dispersion indicators
- EUNIS Habitat Classification for European habitats
- Life forms web portal, Dřevojan P., Čeplová N., Stěpánková P. & Axmanová I.
- Natura 2000 on habitats of community interest
Frequently asked questions about Lithodora fruticosa
- Is Lithodora fruticosa suitable for beginners? Yes, given its rusticity and low need for care.
- Can it be grown in a pot? Yes, as long as the pot has good drainage and is provided with full sun.
- Is the species toxic or does it present risks? No relevant toxicities are documented, although caution should always be exercised in medicinal uses.
- Does it attract beneficial wildlife? Yes, its flowers are a source of nectar for native pollinators.
