Blue-eyed Mary

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Blue-eyed Mary
Omphalodes verna
Omphalodes verna
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Family: Boraginaceae
Genus: Omphalodes
Species: O. verna
Binomial name
Omphalodes verna
Moench

The Blue-eyed Mary or Navelwort (Omphalodes verna) is a perennial plant native to Central and South-east Europe. This species can spread quickly, and can reach 8 to 12 inches in height. The plant has a stem that snakes across the ground, giving it the alternative name Creeping Forget-Me-Not, and typically grows in the shade of trees. It is typically hard to uproot and by some accounts may even be invasive, but mostly coexists with other plants well. Its leaves are grooved, semi-evergreen and medium green that reach 8 inches long and 3 inches wide. They are veiny, with fine hairs and oval to heart in shape, and radipdly pointed at the tip. In spring the plant produces small, blue flowers. Supposedly the name is derived from the fact that this was Marie Antoinette's favorite flower.[1][2]

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Michigan State University (1999). Omphalodes verna--Creeping Forget-Me-Not. Ornamental Plants. Retrieved on July 28, 2006.
  2. ^ Schmid, Wolfram George (October 11, 2002). An Encyclopedia of Shade Perennials. Timber Press. ISBN 0-88192-549-7. p. 247.
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