![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/6EaqcA7KSYPkYFPX9EiGVa/549474eb2f043ded3e39939ddad45e14/field_gromwell_01.jpg?fm=webp&w=1080&q=85)
Field gromwell
Lithospermum arvense
Importance
Autumn germinating plant but less commonly found in arable fields due to susceptibility to cereal herbicides. Associated with calcareous soils. Vigorous taproot containing red dye.
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/2PAaG1Lce8Uxrhli6nuqEi/d5983518ad17d2fe85066f5b02add193/field_gromwell_01.jpg?fm=webp&w=1920&q=85)
1. Large hairy cotyledons (20 mm in length) with marked leaf midrib.
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/7ms5eZnFEjZC1YMlbGMjZM/df49421e99ec040f38dfb63009307a63/field_gromwell_02.jpg?fm=webp&w=1920&q=85)
2. Leaves slender, long and thickly haired.
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/1h0qvud54Zy9GzLekPOd5R/677728ff5c36c4492f44e69e75b97e83/FieldMate_Promo_Mobile.jpg?fm=webp&w=3840&q=85)
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/3CvKagUshwoSyxEDqRj52c/bd6e3be09e808d22cf4c4c324b6d4ac7/FieldMate_Promo_Desktop.jpg?fm=webp&w=3840&q=85)
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/3CvKagUshwoSyxEDqRj52c/bd6e3be09e808d22cf4c4c324b6d4ac7/FieldMate_Promo_Desktop.jpg?fm=webp&w=3840&q=85)