Virginia Bluebell (Mertensia virginica)

Virginia Bluebell (Mertensia virginica), Great Falls, Virginia

Virginia Bluebell (Mertensia virginica)

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Virginia Bluebell (Mertensia virginica)

The Virginia bluebell (Mertensia virginica) is a member of the Boraginaceae or Forget-me-not family.  It grows to between 12- and 28-inches tall and is often cultivated.  Stem leaves can be up to 6-inches long and are pale green, elliptical to obovate (egg shaped and flat) in shape, rounded at the tip, tapering to the base.  The buds are pink, but the nodding, showing tubular flowers are pale blue (rarely pink or even white), from 0.7- to 1-inch in length.  The foliage withers soon after flowering.  The Virginia bluebell can be found in most of the eastern US, favoring moist or wet woodlands.  It flowers in March and April.

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