Oblongleaf bluebells (Mertensia oblongifolia)

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

Mertensia oblongifolia is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. 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 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 slopes and drier meadows, often amongst sagebrush, from the plains and foothills to moderate elevations in the mountains, occasionally to the alpine zone. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)