Colorado Wildbuds

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	Click Here
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

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

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