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Tall Bluebell

Mertensia paniculata

Blue Bells

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.

STATUS

COSEWIC: Threatened
CDC: Blue

MORE INFORMATION

www.borealforest.org