Lithospermum caroliniense

Ohio Status: Potentially Threatened.

Blooming Period: Late May to July.

Habitat: Black Oak/Lupine Barrens, Midwest Sand Barrens.

Description: Perennial; multiple stems in a cluster, most reaching a height of 1-2 ft (3-6 dm); leaves alternate, linear to lanceolate; flowers are bright orange-yellow.

Notes: This species was never frequent in Ohio and similar to other rare species, habitat loss is the major cause for its decline. The yellow flowers of plains puccoon combined with the blue of wild lupine produces the classic spring display in the Oak Openings Region.