Virginia Cowslip

Biological Name:

Mertensia virginica (Virginia-Cowslip)

Natural Habitat:

The Virginia-Cowslip is native to the eastern United States, where it can be found in moist woodlands and along the edges of streams and rivers.

Description:

Virginia-Cowslip also known as Mertensia is a plant that is native to grassland and prairie regions of North America. It is a perennial herb that can grow up to two feet tall and it has small oval-shaped leaves and small bell-shaped flowers that are typically blue or pink in color. The plant is known for its ability to attract pollinators and it is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are Virginia bluebells edible?
A: There are lots of spring ephemerals I love, but, Virginia Bluebells might just be the prettiest of them all. As you’re probably gathering, you can eat them too, and, they’re delicious!
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Q: Why are you not allowed to pick bluebells?
A: Threats and conservation The bluebell is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). This means digging up the plant or bulb in the countryside is prohibited and landowners are prohibited from removing bluebells from their land to sell.
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Q: What is the penalty for picking bluebells?
A: Picking bluebells, along with most other wild flowers, fruit and foliage, is not generally an offence, although there might be associated access and ownership issues relating to where the plants are growing (Theft Act).
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Q: Do deer eat Virginia bluebells?
A: Like most spring ephemerals, Virginia bluebells emerge early in the season before significant leaf cover, bloom, and go dormant by mid-June. They are deer-resistant: a major plus for suburban and rural gardeners.
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Q: Are Virginia bluebells medicinal?
A: Medicinal Uses: Native Americans used it in their treatment of whooping cough and tuberculosis, and employed its roots either alone or in combination as a treatment for venereal disease and as an antidote for poisons.
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Q: Are Virginia bluebells toxic to cats?
A: It is very rare for a cat to ingest enough for more serious symptoms, which can involve heart problems and even tremors or convulsions. Amaryllis, Hyacinths and Bluebells are quite closely related and contain similar toxins, so again, if your cat has an inordinate interest in them, consider rehoming the plants!
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Q: Are Virginia bluebells invasive?
A: Virginia Bluebells are not invasive within their native range, since they are native and belong there! But, in their preferred growing conditions they can become aggressive. However, this is generally not a concern as they can be pulled/dug fairly easily.
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Q: Is it illegal to destroy bluebells?
A: Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is unlawful to uproot any wild plant without permission from the landowner or occupier.
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Q: What happens if you touch bluebells?
A: Bluebell sap is believed to cause dermatitis and skin irritation. All varieties of bluebells contain glycosides, and therefore all varieties are poisonous.
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Q: Are Virginia bluebells good for bees?
A: Adding Virginia bluebells to your garden is a great way to provide nectar to local pollinators in the early spring. Bumblebees are often seen visiting flowers, but are uncommon pollinators since M. virginica flower position requires the bee to hover.
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Q: Where are Virginia bluebells native to?
A: They’re native to moist woodlands and floodplains at the edges of forests in Eastern North America. They grow from New York west to Minnesota and south from Arkansas to North Carolina. They’re hardy in zones 3-8. A carpet of Virginia bluebells in full bloom is quite the sight to see on a spring hike.
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Q: Do Virginia bluebells attract hummingbirds?
A: Herbaceous perennial ranging from 2 to 3 feet in height, Virginia Bluebells bloom blueish, tubular flowers from April to May. The nectar-rich flowers are frequently visited by hummingbirds. Insects will also visit Virginia Bluebells, which will in turn attract insectivorous birds.
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Q: Should you cut back Virginia bluebells?
A: Virginia Bluebells: End of Season Care Plants actually go dormant in midsummer after blooming. Foliage will turn yellow—adding an interesting dimension to the early summer garden—and will die back. You can cut back the plants when the foliage has turned completely yellow/brown.
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Q: Do butterflies like Virginia bluebells?
A: Planting Virginia bluebells, for example, is a great way to attract butterflies to your yard. Butterflies are the most common pollinator for the bluebells since they can easily perch and extract the nectar from the trumpet-shaped flowers.
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Q: Do Virginia bluebells attract bees?
A: Adding Virginia bluebells to your garden is a great way to provide nectar to local pollinators in the early spring. Bumblebees are often seen visiting flowers, but are uncommon pollinators since M. virginica flower position requires the bee to hover.
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Q: Why are some Virginia bluebells pink?
A: The color change is due to changes in the pH of the cell sap, and, like some hydrangeas, plants growing in more acidic soils will have flowers of a deeper shade of blue.
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Q: Are tulips native to Virginia?
A: The tulip part comes from the fact that the flowers, leaves and fruit all have tulip-like forms. This Virginia native is actually a member of the Magnoliaceae family and not closely related to poplars at all. One of our largest native trees; showy green and orange flowers appear after the leaves emerge in spring.
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Q: How do Virginia bluebells spread?
A: Propagating Virginia Bluebells Plants are spread by both rhizomes and self-seeding. Propagation is possible but challenging. You can propagate by seed or by division.
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Q: Can you just scatter bluebell seeds?
A: Sowing bluebell seed is much easier than planting bulbs—seed can be scattered at a rate of 160-500/m2 in autumn. Depending on your situation and levels of shade, weed control may be necessary.
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Q: Should I plant bluebells in my garden?
A: Grow bluebells in moist but well-drained soil in partial shade. They’re particularly suited to growing beneath deciduous trees, which provide dappled shade in spring and deeper shade in summer. You’ll get the best results from planting bluebells in the green but it’s also possible to grow bluebells from seed.
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Q: Are Blue Bell flowers invasive?
A: This plant is considered invasive for the Pacific Northwest as it can spread by underground runners. It easily grows in the shade. Pests: No serious insect or disease problems.
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Q: Do Virginia creepers grow fast?
A: Virginia creeper is very fast growing and can reach heights of 20m. We encourage you to be careful to keep its growth in check and take care when disposing of clippings.
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Q: What is the easiest Daisy to grow?
A: Shasta daisies are one of the easiest perennials to grow. They prefer, but do not necessarily need, moist yet well-drained soil.
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Q: Do bees like Virginia bluebells?
A: Adding Virginia bluebells to your garden is a great way to provide nectar to local pollinators in the early spring. Bumblebees are often seen visiting flowers, but are uncommon pollinators since M. virginica flower position requires the bee to hover.
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Q: Does Virginia creeper like the sun?
A: Virginia creeper will grow in shade or sun, in most soil types and is salt tolerant. Since it is rated as hardy from zone 3 to 9, it can be found throughout much of North America. Virginia creeper is extremely useful to wildlife.
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Q: Do Virginia bluebells have a scent?
A: They hang down in clusters of lavender or blue bell-shaped flowers. These are prettiest on the plant and don’t make good cut flowers. The fragrance is light and sweet.
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Q: What is the bluest flower in the world?
A: Cornflower. Perhaps the bluest of all blue flowers, cornflower is usually grown from seed. This plant is also commonly known as bachelor’s button.
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About the author

Samuel is a gardening professional and enthusiast who has spent over 20 years advising homeowners and farm owners on weed identification, prevention and removal. He has an undergraduate degree in plant and soil science from Michigan State University.