Mountain Bell (Mertensia ciliata)

Family: Boraginaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Spring, Early Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

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

Habitat & North American Range

Streambanks, wet meadows, damp thickets and wet cliffs from the foothills to high elevations in the mountains. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)