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white blue eyed Mary
Scientific Name: Collinsia bartsiifolia
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Annual
Other Names:
Omphalodes verna and Collinsia species: A Closer Look
This page explores the characteristics and nuances of plants known as "Blue-eyed Mary," specifically focusing on Omphalodes verna and various species within the genus Collinsia.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- Some Blue-eyed Mary species are small plants with tiny flowers, which could present a choking hazard for small children or pets.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Mentions both Omphalodes verna and various species within the genus Collinsia (e.g., Collinsia parviflora, Collinsia bartsiifolia, Collinsia rattanii).
- Common Names: Blue-eyed Mary, Creeping Navelwort (for Omphalodes verna), Spring Blue-eyed Mary, Eastern Blue Eyed Mary, Small-flowered Blue-eyed Mary, Maiden Blue-Eyed Mary, Blue-Lips, Baby Blue Eyes, White Blue Eyed Mary.
- Synonyms: Mentions that Collinsia is a synonym for some species described.
Distribution and Habitat
- Blue-Eyed Mary (Collinsia species) occurs occasionally in the northeastern and east-central United States.
- Small-flowered blue-eyed Mary (Collinsia parviflora) is a native annual herb found more commonly in woodlands of the western U.S.
- Another species is found from British Columbia to Ontario and south to California and Colorado.
- Some species are found in hilly woods.
- Small-flowered blue-eyed Mary grows in very dry to moist conditions.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Omphalodes verna is described as a vigorous, mat-forming perennial reaching up to 20cm tall. It has oval leaves and bright blue flowers with white centers.
- Collinsia species are described as having bilaterally symmetrical flowers on slender stalks.
- Flowers in the genus Collinsia typically have five lobes: the upper lobes are often white to pale blue or purple, while the lower lobes are typically blue or purple.
- The flower of the Spring Blue-eyed Mary is bell-shaped.
- Small-flowered blue-eyed Mary is a small annual forb (10-40 cm) with narrow leaves.
- Some species are creeping perennials, growing in patches.
Ecological Role
- Small-flowered blue-eyed Mary (Collinsia parviflora) is commonly found with Microsteris gracilis, a tiny, white flowering plant.
Quirky Facts
- While typically blue and white, Blue-eyed Mary flowers can sometimes be found in pink.