Soft-hair Marbleseed
ExplorePlants
Soft-hair Marbleseed
Lithospermum bejariense
The Soft-hair Marbleseed is a pretty plant with soft, fuzzy leaves. It grows small, round seeds that look like marbles! This plant loves sunny places and can be found in dry areas.
Habitat: Desert
Appearance
The Soft-hair Marbleseed is a low-growing plant with numerous soft, fuzzy leaves that give it a grayish-green appearance. It produces small, star-shaped flowers that are typically creamy white or pale yellow. Its distinctive, hard, shiny seeds resemble tiny, smooth marbles.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderBoraginalesFamilyBoraginaceaeGenusLithospermum
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its hard seeds were once used by Native Americans as tiny, natural beads for making jewelry!
Some tiny ants help spread its hard seeds to new places, acting like little gardeners!
The plant's scientific name, Lithospermum, literally means 'stone seed' because its seeds are so hard!
This tough plant can live for many years, growing new stems each spring from its deep roots!
Special abilities
Ability
Fuzzy Shield
Soft-hair Marbleseed has tiny, soft hairs all over its leaves that help it survive in hot, dry places by reducing water loss.
Ability
Tough Seeds
Soft-hair Marbleseed produces very hard, smooth, marble-like seeds that are protected and can last a long time before sprouting.
Ability
Deep Drinker
Soft-hair Marbleseed can grow a long taproot deep into the soil to find water, helping it thrive in drier environments.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 10-40 cm
- Spread
- 15-30 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.5-1 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring to summer
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
attracted to its small white flowers
pollinates
Common Eastern Bumblebee
Bombus impatiens
collects nectar from its blossoms
eaten by
White-tailed Deer
Odocoileus virginianus
its foliage is occasionally browsed
eaten by
Red Imported Fire Ant
Solenopsis invicta
ants disperse and consume its seeds
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Ornamental
Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Desert
Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch plants unless you know they are safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Soft-hair Marbleseed?
10-40 cm
How wide does Soft-hair Marbleseed spread?
15-30 cm
How big are the flowers on Soft-hair Marbleseed?
0.5-1 cm
When does Soft-hair Marbleseed bloom?
Spring to summer
Is Soft-hair Marbleseed edible?
No
Is Soft-hair Marbleseed toxic?
None
What is Soft-hair Marbleseed's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Soft-hair Marbleseed pollinated?
Insect
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