Lithospermum ruderale, commonly known as Western Stoneseed or Lemonweed, is a perennial herb native to the open woodlands, grasslands, and sagebrush deserts of western Canada and the western United States. It typically grows from a taproot and woody caudex, producing leafy stems that reach 8 to 20 inches in height. The lance-shaped leaves are arranged alternately along the stem, and the plant bears light yellow flowers in the late spring to early summer. The flowers are not particularly showy but are interesting upon close inspection. Western Stoneseed is adapted to a wide range of soil types, provided they are well-drained, and it can tolerate both full sun and partial shade.

Western Stoneseed is valued for its historical medicinal uses rather than for ornamental purposes. It is drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and naturalized areas where low maintenance is desired. In cultivation, it requires minimal water once established and thrives in poor soils, making it an easy plant to grow in challenging conditions. There are no popular garden cultivars of this species, and it is not commonly found in nurseries. Potential problems include overwatering, which can lead to root rot. While it has a history of medicinal use by Native American groups, it is not widely used in modern herbal medicine.CC BY-SA 4.0