Mertensia ciliata

(Mountain Bluebells)

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Mertensia ciliata, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 0049

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Mertensia ciliata, FR 612, Lone Cone Area, San Miguel Co. 3449

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Mertensia ciliata, Loveland Pass, Clear Creek Co. 3942

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Mertensia ciliata, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 0376

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Mertensia ciliata, Black Powder Pass, Summit Co. 4283

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Mertensia ciliata, FR 612, Lone Cone Area, San Miguel Co. 3350

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Mertensia ciliata, FR 612, Lone Cone Area, San Miguel Co. 3351

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Mertensia ciliata, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 9794

Scientific Name Mertensia ciliata USDA PLANTS Symbol MECI3
Common Name Mountain Bluebells, Tall Fringed Bluebells ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 31668
Family Boraginaceae (Forget-me-not) SEINet
Reference
Click Here
Description Life zones and habitat: Foothills to alpine (6000 to 12500 ft). Moist areas along stream banks, ponds.
Plant: Erect leafy perennial with multiple stems 8 to 36 inches tall often growing in large stands.
Leaves: Blue-green basal and stem leaves, alternate, ovate to laneolate-ovate; up to 6 inches long (basal leaves longer than stem leaves); prominent lateral veins, smooth surfaces, with very small cilia (hairs) along edges.
Inflorescence: Clusters of nodding blue, sometimes pink, rarely white, bell-shaped flowers; calyx less than 1/8-inch long, divided to the base, lobes rounded at the tip with cilia (hairs) along edges; corolla 3/8 to 5/8-inch long.
Bloom Period: June to August.
References: "Guide to Colorado Wildflowers" by G.K. Guennel, "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield and Montana Field Guide.
BONAP Distribution Map

Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Native

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains