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spinster's blue eyed Mary

Scientific Name: Collinsia sparsiflora var. collina

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names:

       

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 native to North America. Its delicate blooms and slender form make it a delightful addition to wildflower gardens and natural landscapes.

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
  • Family: Plantaginaceae (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 (sometimes referred to as Collinsia bartsiifolia var. davidsonii or Davidson's blue-eyed Mary/Davidson's collinsia)
    • Collinsia sparsiflora Fisch. &amp C.A. Mey. var. arvensis (Greene) Jeps.
    • Collinsia sparsiflora var. collina

Distribution and Habitat

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

Morphological Characteristics

  • The plant is upright and typically has only a few flowers per stem.
  • Leaves are described as linear to oblong and entire (smooth-edged).
  • The inflorescence (flower cluster) is smooth or finely haired.
  • The corolla (flower) is bi-labiate (two-lipped), blue-lavender to white, and 8-11 mm long, with a tube that is abruptly bent near the base.
  • The flowers are small, blue and white, bilaterally symmetrical, and 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 hint at historical associations, although the provided text doesn't elaborate on these.

Further Information

  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
  • Discover Life
  • Wildflower Index