Classification Hierarchy | |
Kingdom | Plantae |
Subkingdom | Tracheophyta |
Superdivision | Spermatophyta |
Division | Magnoliophyta |
Class | Magnoliopsida |
Subclass | Asteridae |
Order | Lamiales |
Family | Boraginaceae |
Genus | Mertensia |
Species | Mertensia virginica |
Scientific Name: Mertensia virginica
Common Name: Virginia bluebells
Origin: Native
Notes: There are eighteen species in this genus, but only one is common in Iowa. A second species M. paniculata has been reported in NE Iowa where it is regarded as rare. The distinctive flowers on this spring blooming perennial make it easy to spot in Iowa woods.
Additional references: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.