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giant blue eyed Mary
Scientific Name: Collinsia grandiflora
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Annual
Other Names:
Giant Blue-Eyed Mary (Collinsia grandiflora)
Collinsia grandiflora, also known by the common names giant blue-eyed Mary and large-flowered collinsia, is a charming flowering plant belonging to the plantain family.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- This plant is often found in gardens, so caution may be warranted when pets or children are present.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Collinsia grandiflora Lindl.
- Family: Plantaginaceae (Plantain Family)
- Common Names: Giant Blue-eyed Mary, Large-flowered Collinsia, Blue Lips, Blue-lips blue-eyed Mary
- Synonyms: Mentions of Collinsia greenei, Collinsia heterophylla, Collinsia bartsiifolia var. stricta, Collinsia bruceae, and Collinsia childii as other Collinsia species suggest potential taxonomic relationships.
Distribution and Habitat
- Blue-Eyed Mary is native to the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon and Washington.
- It occurs occasionally in northeastern and east-central Illinois.
- It is found growing wild in the mountains and valleys of the western regions.
- Typically grows in rich deciduous woodlands.
Morphological Characteristics
- Stems are upright and sturdy.
- Leaves are opposite and round near the base, becoming narrower and often arranged in whorls higher up the stem.
- Flowers are 1/2 to 3/4 inch in size.
- The flowers typically have a purple or white upper lip and a blue or violet lower lip.
- The flowers have bright blue flowers (1-1.5cm across) with 5 petals with distinct white centers
- Blue-eyed Mary is a creeping perennial, growing in patches.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Pollinated by insects such as the Giant Bee Fly (Bombylius major), butterflies, and skippers.
- Often found alongside other vernal pool species such as California goldfields (Baeria chrysostoma) and dwarf meadowfoam.
- Mentioned as growing behind Wyethia angustifolia and Eriophyllum lanatum.
Resources
- Dave's Garden is mentioned as a resource for gardening tips and ideas.
- Discover Life provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Collinsia grandiflora.
- WildflowersWest provides information about Collinsia parviflora.