Mertensia ciliata
(Mountain Bluebells)
Mertensia ciliata, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 0049
Mertensia ciliata, FR 612, Lone Cone Area, San Miguel Co. 3449
Mertensia ciliata, Loveland Pass, Clear Creek Co. 3942
Mertensia ciliata, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 0376
Mertensia ciliata, Black Powder Pass, Summit Co. 4283
Mertensia ciliata, FR 612, Lone Cone Area, San Miguel Co. 3350
Mertensia ciliata, FR 612, Lone Cone Area, San Miguel Co. 3351
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 |
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| 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