Mertensia paniculata

Tall Bluebell

Tall Bluebell
aka Northern Bluebell, Tall Lungwort. May reach as as high as five feet but most common around 3 ft. (1 m) tall. There is an interesting contrast between the blue bell-shaped flowers, 1/2 – 3/4″, and the reddish purple buds as they hang together in bundles. The leaves are lance- to egg-shaped and the upper leaves are usually not stalked, growing directly out from the stem. Prefers moister locations. Found near streambanks, seeps, talus slopes, and usually in clearings between 2,500′ to 6,500′ elevation.

Family:

Boraginaceae -BORAGE FAMILY

Genus:

Mertensia after German botanist Franz Karl Mertens (1764-1831)

Species:

paniculata or paniculate meaning branched flower groups
Photo location: From several locations including Ipsut Creek trail near Ipsut Pass, Sourdough Ridge east of Frozen Lake, Berkeley Park, Spray Park near Spray Falls, the Paul Peak trail near North Mowich River and Slide Mtn.