Virginia Bluebell (Mertensia virginica)

Family: Borage Family (Boraginaceae)

Other Names: Virginia Cowslip

Origin: Native

Historic First Bloom Seen: April 3*

GPS For Stand: N 39°04.689' W 84°24.775'

Interesting Facts: This stunning species of woodland wildflower has a habit of forming large colonies on hillsides as with the hills in the deep woodland areas California Woods. The genus of this species is named for Karl Mertens (1764-1831), a German botanist. This plant has a very short blooming season, and often by the beginning of summer no traces of the plant can be found.

*Average bloom time is based on a compilation of wildflower bloom times from 1975 to present.