Mertensia ciliata - (James.)G.Don.

(James.)G.Don.

Mountain Bell, Tall fringed bluebells

Boraginaceae Edible: Flowers, Leaves

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chris_kleine

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ellarchappell

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ellarchappell

Description

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.

Edible Uses

Flowers - raw. Leaves - raw or cooked. The leaves are rather hairy and are not so nice when eaten raw.

Medicinal Uses

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

Distribution

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

Where It Grows

NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Wyoming New Mexico, California, Nevada, Utah)

Cultivation

Easily grown in an ordinary garden soil with some shade. Requires a moist peaty soil in full sun or light shade. Plants are hardy to about -20°c. A very ornamental plant.

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Sow stored seed as early in the year as possible. Protect from direct sunlight. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division, with care, in early spring or autumn.