Native Plant Database

Header Photo: Mervin Wallace

Virginia Bluebells

Mertensia virginica
Plant Type: Spring Ephemeral
Native Environment: Forest
Season of Interest: Early (Feb - Apr)
Main Color: Blue, Pink / Rose, Purple, White
Fall Color:

USDA PLANTS Range Map

At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data

Sun Exposure 
Shade
Soil
Moisture
Moderate, High
Nature Attracting
Butterfly, Pollinators/Beneficial Insects
Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Nectar, Food/Pollinators
Animal
Resistance
Size

Height:

12 to
24
inches

Spread:

12 to
inches
Size
Height: 12 to
24
inches
Spread: 12 to
inches
Size
Height: 12 to
24
inches
Spread: 12 to
inches
Typical Landscape Use
Great for naturalizing in masses in rich, moist soil underneath trees.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Grows easily in moist, rich, well-drained soil.
Special Features
Special Usage
Basic Description

Pink flower buds open to sky blue in March and April, an early nectar source for bees and butterflies. Foliage is blue-green. This plant is a spring ephemeral, meaning the foliage goes dormant in summer. Great for naturalizing in a rich, moist woodland environment.

Where Should I Start?

Check out the Grow Native! Committee’s Top Ten picks of native plants for a particular purpose.

What’s the Next Step?

Picked out your plants? View our Resource Guide of garden centers, seed sources, landscapers, education resources, and more!

Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?

Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.

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