Blue-eyed mary
Collinsia parviflora
Perennial Herb
These flowers grow in abundance, sometimes covering the entire forest floor creating a natural blue carpet. They are very small plants, so you have to look closely to notice them when in smaller groups.
Perennial Herb
These flowers grow in abundance, sometimes covering the entire forest floor creating a natural blue carpet. They are very small plants, so you have to look closely to notice them when in smaller groups.
DESCRIPTION:
Flower
The tiny flowers are only a couple millimeters across. Similar in shape to a snapdragon, having four blue and white petals. The top two petals roll slightly backwards, creating a unique flower shape.
Flower
The tiny flowers are only a couple millimeters across. Similar in shape to a snapdragon, having four blue and white petals. The top two petals roll slightly backwards, creating a unique flower shape.
|
Stem
The stems are very short, growing between 5 to 15 cm. They often branch off and sprawl away into other plants. Each stem sports numerous leaves and blooms. Depending on the species of Blue-Eyed Mary, the stem can be bright red. |
Leaves
Like the rest of the plant, the leaves are very small and grow to be 1 inch long. They are lance shaped with a strong seam down the center. The edges of the leaves tend to curl inwards, and the underside of the leaf is the same red color as the stem.
Like the rest of the plant, the leaves are very small and grow to be 1 inch long. They are lance shaped with a strong seam down the center. The edges of the leaves tend to curl inwards, and the underside of the leaf is the same red color as the stem.
WHERE TO FIND IT:
These dainty plants prefer sunlight and moist soil. They tend to grow in sparse forests so they don't need to compete too heavily with other plants. They can also be found in rock outcroppings, meadows, and valleys. They grow all the way up to 11,000ft in elevation!
These dainty plants prefer sunlight and moist soil. They tend to grow in sparse forests so they don't need to compete too heavily with other plants. They can also be found in rock outcroppings, meadows, and valleys. They grow all the way up to 11,000ft in elevation!
WHEN TO FIND IT:
These plants bloom from March through July in our area.
These plants bloom from March through July in our area.