Maiden blue eyed mary (Collinsia parviflora, Bot. Reg. 13: t. 1082 (1827))

Family: Plantaginaceae

Author: Douglas ex Lindl.

Bibliography: Bot. Reg. 13: t. 1082 (1827)

Year: 1827

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Collinsia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Alaska to W. & N. U.S.A.

Description

Maiden blue eyed mary, scientifically known as Collinsia parviflora, is a captivating herbaceous plant belonging to the family Plantaginaceae. It was first documented in the Botanical Register volume 13, plate 1082, in the year 1827, a contribution attributed to the botanists Douglas and Lindley.

This delicate annual plant is indigenous to the diverse landscapes stretching from Alaska through western and northern regions of the United States. It thrives in various habitats, showcasing its resilience and adaptability.

Collinsia parviflora is characterized by its charming small flowers, which often display a soothing palette of blue hues, earning it the common name ‘Maiden blue eyed mary.’ The dainty blooms not only provide aesthetic appeal but also play a crucial role in local ecosystems, attracting pollinators and contributing to the biodiversity of their native regions.

Understanding the ecological significance and botanical attributes of Collinsia parviflora helps in appreciating its role in the natural world and underscores the importance of its conservation in the face of environmental changes. This plant stands as a testament to the intricate beauty and complexity found within the flora of North America.

Common Names

Eng: blue-eyed mary, littleflower collinsia, maiden blue eyed mary, small-flower blue-eyed mary, smallflower blue eyed mary, small-flowered blue-eyed mary, blue-lips, few-flowered blue-eyed mary, maiden blue-eyed mary, small blue-eyed mary, small-flowered collinsia
Fra: collinsie à petites fleurs
En: Maiden blue eyed Mary, Blue-eyed Mary, Littleflower collinsia, Small-flower blue-eyed Mary, Smallflower blue eyed Mary, Small-flowered blue-eyed Mary, Blue-lips, Few-flowered blue-eyed Mary, Maiden blue-eyed Mary, Small blue-eyed Mary, Small-flowered collinsia
Fr: Collinsie à petites fleurs
Nv: Azeeʼ yishtłʼish
: Maiden blue eyed mary

Synonyms

• Collinsia grandiflora var. pusilla (A.Gray)
• Collinsia parviflora var. diehlii ((M.E.Jones) Pennell)
• Collinsia minima (Nutt.)
• Collinsia diehlii (M.E.Jones)
• Collinsia pauciflora (Hook.)
• Collinsia parviflora var. simplex (Farw.)
• Collinsia parviflora f. rosea (F.A.Warren)
• Collinsia parviflora var. minima ((Nutt.) M.E.Jones)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Arizona (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Utah (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Yukon (native)
• New York (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 2, 2022 by Michael Finch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2022 by Michael Finch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2022 by Michael Finch (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 2, 2022 by Michael Finch (cc-by-sa)

© 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/5414960)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:801640-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Collinsia parviflora Douglas ex Lindl.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Single Crown

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth rate>: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 5.6