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spinster's blue eyed Mary

Scientific Name: Collinsia sparsiflora var. bruceae

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names: WA (few-flowered collinsia)

       

Spinster's Blue-Eyed Mary (Collinsia sparsiflora)

Collinsia sparsiflora, commonly known as spinster's blue-eyed Mary or few-flowered collinsia, is a charming wildflower found in specific habitats. This page provides information about its classification, distribution, and notable characteristics.

Considerations for Pets and Children

  • This plant has small parts.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Collinsia sparsiflora Fisch. & C.A. Mey.
  • Common Names: Spinster's blue-eyed Mary, few-flowered collinsia, Davidson's blue-eyed Mary.
  • Family: Plantaginaceae (Plantain Family), formerly Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family).
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Synonyms: Collinsia bruceae M.E. Jones (for Collinsia sparsiflora var. bruceae).
  • Varieties:
    • Collinsia sparsiflora var. bruceae
    • Collinsia sparsiflora var. davidsonii (now Collinsia bartsiifolia var. davidsonii)
    • Collinsia sparsiflora var. arvensis (Greene) Jeps.
    • Collinsia sparsiflora var. collina

Distribution and Habitat

  • Collinsia sparsiflora is native to North America.
  • It is commonly found along grassy ridges in full sun.
  • Specific locations mentioned include California (e.g., Lake County, Terra Linda Ridge Trail), and the Pacific States.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Collinsia sparsiflora is an upright plant with relatively few flowers per stem.
  • The leaves are described as linear to oblong with entire (smooth) margins.
  • The inflorescence (flower cluster) can be smooth or finely haired.
  • The flowers are bilaterally symmetrical and typically blue-lavender to white.
  • The corolla is bi-labiate, with a tube abruptly bent near the base.
  • Flowers are described as odd-shaped and typically 8-11 mm long.
  • The corolla is approximately 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) wide.

Quirky Facts

  • One common name, "spinster's blue-eyed Mary," evokes a sense of old-fashioned charm and may be tied to historical associations or folklore.

Further Information

  • Discover Life: Discover Life offers detailed information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Collinsia sparsiflora.
  • Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center provides resources on North America's native plants.
  • Encyclopedia of Life: Provides articles about Collinsia sparsiflora var. bruceae.