Family: Boraginaceae
Author: (E.James ex Torr.) G.Don
Bibliography: Gen. Hist. 4: 372 (1837)
Year: 1837
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Mertensia
Vegetable: False
Observations: WC. U.S.A.
Description
Mountain Bluebells (Mertensia ciliata)
Mountain Bluebells, scientifically known as Mertensia ciliata, are a captivating flower species that are an integral part of the Boraginaceae family. These perennial herbs have been celebrated for their strikingly beautiful blue flowers which often paint a picturesque scene in their native habitats across the western regions of the United States. Their unique and vivid coloration makes them a standout plant admired by botanists and nature enthusiasts alike.
First described in detail in the “General History” (volume 4, page 372) in the year 1837, this plant has a long-standing place in botanical literature. The official taxonomic attribution goes to G.Don, who classified the species based on earlier descriptions by E. James and Torrey.
Mountain Bluebells are typically found at higher elevations, thriving in moist, mountainous environments. You can often spot them along streams and in meadowlands, where they benefit from the well-drained, nutrient-rich soils. Their blossoms generally emerge in late spring to early summer, forming bell-shaped flowers that range in shades of blue, sometimes with hints of purple or pink, adding a splash of color to the green, lush surroundings.
These plants have not only ecological significance but also cultural and horticultural value. They attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which play a vital role in maintaining the health of their ecosystems. For gardeners and landscape designers seeking to recreate naturalistic, meadow-like settings, Mountain Bluebells offer a hardy and beautiful option capable of enhancing biodiversity.
Overall, Mountain Bluebells (Mertensia ciliata) represent both an aesthetic delight and a functional component of their native ecosystems, embodying the allure and ecological importance of high-altitude flora in the western United States.
Common Names
Deu: berg-blauglöckchen
Swe: lundfjärva
Eng: mountain bluebells, shortstyle bluebells, streamside bluebells, tall chiming-bells, tall fringe bluebells, tall fringed bluebells
En: Mountain bluebells, Tall fringe bluebells, Tall fringed bluebells, Shortstyle bluebells, Streamside bluebells, Tall chiming-bells
De: Berg-Blauglöckchen
Sv: Lundfjärva
Synonyms
- Pulmonaria ciliata (E.James ex Torr.)
Distribution
- Arizona (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- Oregon (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Utah (native)
- Wyoming (native)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Flower
Taken Nov 8, 2002 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 18, 2020 by C T (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 25, 2020 by Hannah Carroll (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 20, 2021 by Liz L (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 21, 2020 by Alex Chmiel (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jun 20, 2022 by Yang Chen (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 23, 2022 by Joseph Littlehorn (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 26, 2021 by thomas boscardin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 27, 2013 by EOL − Sam McNally (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 9, 2019 by chase stout (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Nov 30, 2002 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Howard, R.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Howard, R.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 16, 2015 by EOL − Barry Rice (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 14, 2015 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Aug 28, 2012 by EOL − Dan Nydick (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5341240)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:118571-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Mertensia ciliata (James ex Torr.) G. Don)
Specifications
Growth form>: Rhizomatous
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.2
Ph minimum: 6.2
