Baby blue-eyes (Nemophila menziesii, Bot. Beechey Voy.: 152 (1833))

Family: Boraginaceae

Author: Hook. & Arn.

Bibliography: Bot. Beechey Voy.: 152 (1833)

Year: 1833

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Nemophila

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. U.S.A. to Mexico (Baja California)

Description

Baby blue-eyes, scientifically known as Nemophila menziesii, is a charming and delicate flowering plant celebrated for its captivating blue blossoms. The botanical classification of this enchanting flora was first documented in 1833 by renowned botanists Hooker and Arnott in the publication Botany of Captain Beechey’s Voyage.

Predominantly found across the western regions of the United States extending down to Mexico, particularly Baja California, Baby blue-eyes thrives in the wild landscapes of these areas. Belonging to the family Boraginaceae, this annual plant typically flourishes in the spring, gracing meadows and open woodlands with its sky-blue flowers. Each bloom exhibits a contrasting white center, adding to the plant’s visual appeal and making it a favored choice for wildflower enthusiasts and gardeners seeking to enhance their outdoor spaces with a splash of natural color.

Baby blue-eyes is often appreciated not only for its beauty but also for its role in supporting ecosystems. The vibrant flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, contributing to the health and biodiversity of its native habitats. This plant’s adaptability to different soil types and growing conditions, coupled with its relatively low maintenance needs, make it a versatile and resilient addition to both natural and cultivated landscapes.

In summary, Baby blue-eyes, or Nemophila menziesii, showcases the exquisite interplay of nature’s hues and is a testament to the botanical diversity of the western United States and Baja California. Its charming blossoms serve as a reminder of the delicate beauty that can be found in the wild.

Common Names

Eng: baby blue eyes, california bluebell, baby blue-eyes, baby’s-blue-eyes
Deu: blaue hainblume
Dan: blå øjeblomst
Ces: hajni
Swe: prins gustafs öga
Nld: bosliefje
En: Baby blue-eyes, Baby’s-blue-eyes, California bluebell, Baby blue eyes, Menzies’ Baby-blue-eyes
Cs: Hajni
Da: Blå øjeblomst
Nl: Bosliefje
De: Blaue Hainblume
Sv: Prins Gustafs öga

Synonyms

• Nemophila menziesii var. typica (Brand)
• Viticella menziesii ((Hook. & Arn.) J.F.Macbr.)
• Nemophila insignis var. menziesii ((Hook. & Arn.) A.DC.)

Distribution

• California (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Nevada (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Alaska (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 14, 2020 by Tinka Hrountas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2021 by Professor Pickle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2021 by Nier Jörg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2022 by bill oconnor (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2022 by Celine Berthelot-cisse (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2928026)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:432472-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Nemophila menziesii Hook. & Arn.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth