Mertensia oblongifolia
(Sagebrush Bluebells)
Mertensia oblongifolia, Ute Pass, Summit Co. 6550
Mertensia oblongifolia, Ute Pass, Summit Co. 6566
Mertensia oblongifolia, Ute Pass, Summit Co. 6562
Mertensia oblongifolia, Ute Pass, Summit Co. 6562
Mertensia oblongifolia, Ute Pass, Summit Co. 6569
| Scientific Name | Mertensia oblongifolia, Mertensia foliosa | USDA PLANTS Symbol | MEOB |
| Common Name | Sagebrush Bluebells, Oblong-leaf Bluebells | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 31683 |
| Family | Boraginaceae (Forget-me-not) | SEINet Reference |
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| Description |
Life zones and habitat: Foothills and montane (5600 to 8700 ft); drier soils in open areas, meadows, often with sagebrush. Plant: Perennial with several to many erect or ascending stems, 4 to 20 inches tall; smooth to hairy. Leaves: Blue-green, sessile basal and alternate stem leaves, lanceolate to oblanceolate or elliptic, 1 to 4+ inches long and 2 to 7 times longer than wide; lateral veins are obscure; upper leaves often ciliate; upper surfaces dotted with pustules, lower surfaces are smooth. Inflorescence: Clusters of nodding light blue, bell-shaped flowers; corolla about 5/8-inch long with a smooth (not hairy) throat; calyx less than 1/4-inch long, divided into lobes 4/5 to 3/4 of its length. Bloom Period: April to June. References: Montana Field Guide, Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest and M. foliosa in "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield. Note: Photos above were taken at Ute Pass, on the Grand County/Summit County line about 9500 ft. elevation. |
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