Mertensia longiflora is a species of flowering plant in the borage family known by the common names small bluebells and long bluebells.
Description It is a perennial herb growing from branched and tuberous roots in the form of a caudex. The erect stem averages about in height. There are a few oval to lance-shaped leaves.
The inflorescence is a dense, often crowded cluster of hanging tubular flowers which are fused at the base and expand into lobed and bell-like mouths. They are generally bright blue, but may be lavender to pinkish to nearly white, and measure up to 2.5 cm long.
Taxonomy Mertensia longiflora was scientifically described and named by Edward Lee Greene in 1898. It is classified in the genus Mertensia within the Boraginaceae family. The species has no accepted varieties, but has two among its six heterotypic synonyms.
Table of Synonyms Name Year Rank Mertensia horneri 1906 species Mertensia longiflora f. alba 1966 form Mertensia longiflora var. horneri 1916 variety Mertensia longiflora var. pulchella 1916 variety Mertensia pulchella 1906 species Mertensia pulchella subsp. glauca 1906 subspecies
Range Long bluebells are native to western Canada and the western United States. In Canada it grows in Alberta and British Columbia. In the US it grows in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, California, and Nevada.
References
External links
Jepson Manual Treatment