Mountain Bell, Tall fringed bluebells

Mertensia ciliata

Basic Information

Family: Boraginaceae

Genus: mertensia

Plant ID (slug): mertensia-ciliata

Numeric ID: 24610

USDA Hardiness: 4-8

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Mertensia ciliata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

South-western N. America - Oregon to New Mexico.

Habitats

Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Edible Uses: Flowers - raw[172]. Leaves - raw or cooked[172]. The leaves are rather hairy and are not so nice when eaten raw[172].

Medicinal Uses

Antipruritic Galactogogue The plant is galactogogue[257]. An infusion has been used to increase the milk flow of nursing mothers[257]. An infusion of the powdered root has been used to relieve the itching caused by smallpox and measles[257].