Small bluebells (Mertensia longiflora)

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

Mertensia longiflora is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. 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 soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

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

Open or lightly shaded places in plains and foothills, often with sagebrush or ponderosa pine, occasionally to 1500 metres. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7)