SafePlants

Spinster's Blue-Eyed Mary (Collinsia sparsiflora)

Collinsia sparsiflora, commonly known as Spinster's Blue-Eyed Mary or Few-Flowered Collinsia, is a charming flowering plant found in specific habitats.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• This plant is an upright plant.
• The plant has linear to oblong leaves.
• The flowers are small.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Collinsia sparsiflora Fisch. & C.A. Mey.
• Common Names: Spinster's Blue-Eyed Mary, Few-Flowered Collinsia, Mrs. Bruce's Blue-Eyed Mary, Davidson's Blue-Eyed Mary, Davidson's Collinsia
• Family: Plantaginaceae (Plantain Family), sometimes listed under the older classification Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Synonyms: Collinsia bruceae M.E. Jones
• Varieties:
  • Collinsia sparsiflora var. bruceae
  • Collinsia sparsiflora var. davidsonii (also listed as Collinsia bartsiifolia var. davidsonii)
  • Collinsia sparsiflora var. arvensis (Greene) Jeps.
  • Collinsia sparsiflora var. collina

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to North America.
• Specifically found in California, including Lake County and the area around Butts Canyon Road.
• Grows along grassy ridges and interior foothills in full sun.

Morphological Characteristics

• Upright plant.
• Leaves are linear to oblong, entire (smooth-edged).
• Inflorescence (flower cluster) is smooth or finely haired.
• Flowers are bilaterally symmetrical, typically blue and white.
• Corolla (flower petals) are approximately 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) wide.
• Corolla is bi-labiate (two-lipped), blue-lavender to white, 8-11 mm long, and the tube abruptly bent near the base.

Quirky Facts

• One common name, "Spinster's Blue-Eyed Mary," evokes a sense of history and folklore.
• The text includes a reference to a "Blue Eyed Marys Restaurant" suggesting the name has broader cultural associations.
• The mention of "VIOLETTO BLUE" suggests a specific shade reference or cataloging system.

Further Information

• Encyclopedia of Life: Provides articles about Collinsia sparsiflora var. bruceae.
• Garden Guides: Offers information about plants commonly known as Blue-Eyed Mary.
• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Focuses on protecting and preserving North America's native plants.
• Discover Life: Features a page dedicated to the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Collinsia sparsiflora.
• USDA Plants Database.