SafePlants

Collinsia Species: A Diverse Group of Blue-Eyed Beauties

The genus Collinsia, belonging to the Plantaginaceae (plantain) family, encompasses a variety of flowering plants often referred to by the charming common name "Blue-Eyed Mary." This article explores various species and varieties within the Collinsia genus, including their nomenclature, distribution, and distinguishing features.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Family: Plantaginaceae (plantain family)

Synonyms and Alternative Names:

• Collinsia franciscana Bioletti (Synonym for Collinsia multicolor)

Key Species and Varieties:

• Collinsia antonina (San Antonio Collinsia)
• Collinsia bartsiifolia
  • Collinsia bartsiifolia var. bartsiifolia (White Blue Eyed Mary)
• Collinsia childii Parry ex Gray (Child's Blue Eyed Mary)
• Collinsia grandiflora (Blue-eyed Mary)
• Collinsia multicolor Lindl. & Paxton (San Francisco Blue-Eyed Mary, San Francisco Collinsia)
• Collinsia parviflora (Maiden Blue Eyed Mary, Small-flowered Collinsia)
• Collinsia sparsiflora
  • Collinsia sparsiflora var. sparsiflora (Few-flowered Blue-eyed Mary)
• Collinsia verna (Blue-eyed Mary)
• Collinsia violacea (Smallflower Blue-eyed Mary, Violet Blue-eyed)
• Collinsia paxtonii (San Francisco Blue Eyed Mary)

Distribution and Habitat

• Several Collinsia species are native to the Pacific slope region, ranging from Baja California to San Francisco.
• The San Francisco Bay Area is noted as an ecological refuge for some rare Collinsia species, particularly Collinsia multicolor.
• Specific locations mentioned include the Greater San Francisco/Monterey Bay Area, Napa-Sonoma, and Mount Diablo State Park in California.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Collinsia antonina and Collinsia multicolor are described as annual herbs.
• Collinsia verna typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 feet.
• Some species, like the Franciscan Blue-eyed Mary (Collinsia multicolor), form a series of whorls.

Ecological Role

• Collinsia multicolor, the San Francisco Blue-Eyed Mary, is considered a rare plant that has been destroyed in other local habitats.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Anna's Hummingbirds are mentioned in relation to the plant's original distribution.