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Bluebells
Date: April 4, 2005
Photographer: Jennifer Brown
Scientific name: Mertensia virginica
Virginia bluebells is a native Missouri wildflower that occurs statewide in moist, rich woods and river floodplains. An erect, clump-forming perennial which grows 1-2' tall and features loose, terminal clusters of pendulous, trumpet-shaped, blue flowers (to 1" long) which bloom in early spring. Flower buds are pink and flowers emerge with a pinkish cast before turning blue. Smooth, oval, bluish green leaves (to 4" long). Foliage dies to the ground by mid-summer as the plant goes dormant. (Plant info from http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder)
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