Saturday, May 10, 2008

Virginia Blue Bells


Another unmistakable early spring wildflower is Mertensia virginica, commonly called "Virginia bluebells", "Va. Cowslip" or "Mertensia". Found in moist woods, the plant is toxic to livestock and cattle consuming enough of it will sometimes abort or "slip" their calves hence the name "cowslip" Named for German botanist Karl Mertens. The plant is available as nursery stock for garden use.

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