A spring ephemeral that paints forest floors blue from late April through May before the canopy leafs out. Pink buds open into nodding bell-shaped blue flowers that attract early-season bumble bees and butterflies.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
Mertensia virginica is a spring ephemeral plant in the Boraginaceae (borage) family with bell-shaped sky-blue flowers, native to eastern North America.
Source: Wikipedia — Mertensia virginica Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Spring ephemeral; clusters of nodding blue trumpet-shaped flowers (pink in bud); smooth oval leaves.
Similar species. Other Mertensia species (different ranges).
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. N/A — photosynthesis
Behavior. Spring wildflower with brilliant blue trumpet-shaped flowers. Goes dormant by midsummer.
§ Range
Eastern US from New York to Alabama
§ Habitat
Rich moist deciduous forests, riparian floodplains
§ Threats
Loss of moist deciduous forest, deer browsing, garden collection.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the virginia bluebells is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Plant in moist shaded gardens (don't collect from wild). Mark location — they vanish in summer. Support deer management.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Mertensia virginica
- www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Mertensia virginica
- iNaturalist · taxon 75879
- IUCN Red List — search for Mertensia virginica
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Mertensia virginica
§ Sources cited
- USDA Plants Database
- Native Plant Trust
