Tall Bluebell
Mertensia paniculata
APPEARANCE
This plant grows up to one metre tall with hairy oval-shaped leaves on short stems. The clustered blue, pink or white flowers are bell-shaped and hang on drooping stems.
RANGE & HABITAT
The tall bluebell is commonly found across northern areas, especially in moist forests, meadows and woodlands
LIFE CYCLE
The flowers grow into little fruits that ripen in late summer and fall. Tall bluebells spread by seeds.
ANIMAL USES
Deer, rabbits and other plant-eaters graze on the leaves.
TRADITIONAL USES BY INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
The dried leaves are used in herbal tea mixtures to help clear the lungs. The leaves can also be used for a poultice on cuts and scrapes.
OTHER USES
It is a beautiful ornamental plant in gardens.