Wild Guide: Blue-Eyed Mary

Blue-Eyed Mary

Collinsia verna

Status

Native Missouri wildflower

Size

Height: to about 15 inches

Distribution

Scattered statewide, concentrated in central Missouri

Blue-eyed Marys are one of the few Missouri wildflowers that are truly blue. The flowers of blue-eyed Mary are small — only about a half inch wide — but this pretty wildflower makes up for it by usually appearing in abundance, covering a patch of forest floor with little sky-blue and white “faces.” Blooms appear from April through June. This wildflower is often found in moist, open wooded hills or valleys and along streams.

Human Connections

This native wildflower does well in moist, rich soils and prefers dappled lighting. It can be grown easily from seed; however, competing flowers must be kept away so they don’t crowd out developing seedlings.

Ecosystem Connections

Blue-eyed Marys are important for pollinators. Bumblebees, other bees with long tongues, and some butterflies glean nectar from these blooms.