SafePlants

Sticky Blue-Eyed Mary

The Sticky Blue-Eyed Mary, scientifically known as Collinsia rattanii, is a charming native flower often found in the western United States. It's a member of the Collinsia genus and is appreciated for its delicate beauty and unique characteristics.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Collinsia rattanii A. Gray
• Common Names: Sticky Blue-Eyed Mary, Rattan's Blue-eyed Mary, Rattan's Collinsia
• Family: Plantaginaceae (Plantain Family) (formerly Figwort)
• Rank: Species

Distribution and Habitat

• The Sticky Blue-Eyed Mary is a native plant to the western United States.
• It thrives in sunny areas with partial shade.
• Specifically referenced location: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
• The plant is absent from Idaho.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• The plant is erect and covered with hairy glands, making it sticky to the touch.
• It has a single stem.
• Leaves are gray-green to purplish with edges rolled under.
• The flowers are small, blue and white, bilaterally symmetrical, and held on slender stalks. Corolla about 0.3 in (0.8 cm) wide.
• It is described as being short when fully grown.
• Other Collinsia species such as Collinsia verna are described as creeping perennials that grow in patches.

Quirky Facts

• One source jokingly implies that the person who named "Sticky Blue-Eyed Mary" might have been under the influence, highlighting the plant's whimsical appeal.
• The plant's "sticky" properties make it easy to gather.

Synonyms and Related Species

• Collinsia bartsiifolia var. stricta Newsom – White Blue-eyed Mary
• Davidson's blue eyed mary, Davidson's collinsia. Collinsia bartsiifolia var.
• Collinsia parviflora (Small-flowered blue-eyed Mary)
• Other Collinsia species mentioned include Collinsia childii, Collinsia austromontana, Collinsia sparsiflora, and Collinsia tinctoria (also known as Sticky Chinese Houses, Tinctureplant).