Tall bluebells (Mertensia paniculata)

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

Mertensia paniculata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower in July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. 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: 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

Woods, moist meadows, damp thickets, wet cliffs, riverbanks, dry slopes and burn areas from the foothills to high elevations in the mountains. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)