Edible Parts: Seed
Edible Uses:

Purple stoneseed produces attractive yellow flowers and intriguing nut-like fruits that Indigenous peoples occasionally ate. The flavor of the nutlets appears surprisingly good, but their limited availability, laborious processing, and the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids make this a plant best appreciated for its ecological and botanical interest rather than its value as a wild food [2-3]. Historical records indicate that the Goshute people ate the seeds (nutlets), but little evidence suggests they were ever an important food source. Species of Lithospermum contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, compounds capable of causing cumulative liver damage. Because of these safety concerns, avoid the seeds and all other parts of the plant [2-3]. Edibility Rating: 1 out of 5 – Historically eaten on occasion, but significant toxicity concerns outweigh any potential food value. Taste and Preparation: Purple stoneseed fruits are hard nutlets rather than true seeds. They have glossy white shells with a greyish-brown tint and usually contain tan seeds enclosed by papery green coverings. Based on limited sampling, the nutlets have a pleasantly nut-like flavor and a delicately crunchy texture. Most of the volume consists of edible seed rather than shell, making them more substantial than their name suggests. Unfortunately, gathering enough for a meaningful meal is slow, and separating the cracked shell fragments from the kernels is tedious. Although the flavor is promising, toxic compounds mean the seeds should not be considered a safe wild food [2-3]. Seasonality (Phenology): Purple stoneseed flowers from May through August. The nutlets mature during late summer and detach easily as the plants dry, making timely harvesting important [2-3]. Traditional Uses: The Goshute people of Utah and Nevada reportedly ate the seeds. Most Indigenous uses of Lithospermum species, however, involved medicinal applications rather than food. The reddish-purple dye produced by the roots and lower stems has also been noted historically [2-3]. Safety: Do not consume this plant. Like other members of the Lithospermum genus, purple stoneseed contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, compounds that may cause cumulative liver damage. Although historical records document occasional consumption of the nutlets, the plant cannot be regarded as a safe food source by modern standards.The seeds have been used for food[257].

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Miscellany

The root has been used as a 'life medicine' by some native North American Indian tribes[257].

Dye  Miscellany

Purple stoneseed is occasionally grown in native wildflower collections because of its bright yellow flowers and drought tolerance. A purple dye is obtained from the root[155]. Wildlife Value: The flowers provide nectar for pollinating insects, while the plant contributes to the diversity of native sagebrush and woodland ecosystems.

Special Uses