Mertensia lanceolata
(Lanceleaf Bluebells)
Mertensia lanceolata, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 0049
Mertensia lanceolata, Hoosier Pass, Summit Co. 5543
Mertensia lanceolata, Black Powder Pass, Summit Co. 0350
Mertensia lanceolata, Black Powder Pass, Summit Co. 0371
Mertensia lanceolata, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 5157
Mertensia lanceolata, Hoosier Pass, Park Co. 7615
Mertensia lanceolata, Bald Mountain, Summit Co. 6507
| Scientific Name | Mertensia lanceolata | USDA PLANTS Symbol | MELA3 |
| Common Name | Prairie Bluebells | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 31681 |
| Family | Boraginaceae (Forget-me-not) | SEINet Reference |
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| Description |
Life zones and habitat: Foothills to alpine (8500 to 14000 ft). Open, dryer areas in meadows and woodland openings. Plant: Erect leafy perennial 8 to 14 inches tall, growing singley or in clusters. A variable and complex species. Leaves: Green basal and stem leaves, alternate, broadly-lanceolate, 3/4 to 2-3/4 inches long, leaf surfaces vary from smooth to hairy (strigose-short, flattened hairs); prominent center vein but lateral veins are obscure. Inflorescence: Compact clusters of downward-pointing dark to pale blue, sometimes pinkish, bell-shaped flowers; calyx hairy, ciliate, 1/8 to 1/4-inch long, divided 2/3-way to the base; corolla 1/3 to 1/2-inch long, equal to or shorter than the limb. Bloom Period: May to August. References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, SW Colorado Wildflowers and American Southwest and Montana Field Guide. Note: The images below are likely var. nivalis according to the description in "Flora of Colorado" that indicates this variant is found from 8500 to 14000 ft. | 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