Maiden Blue Eyed Mary Collinsia parviflora Plantain family (Plantaginaceae)
One of the smallest wildflowers in the region, Blue-eyed Mary often grows where other vegetation is sparse. The plant is easily overlooked. It often grows in significantly large numbers and that helps attract attention to it. "Collinsia" was named for Zaccheus Collins, 1764-1831, eminent botanist from Philadelphia. "Parviflora" is Latin for "small-flowered." Blue-eyed Mary is often in the company of Microsteris gracilis.
Tiny delicate , 2-4" tall. , narrow, to , with margins. Lower leaves broader and , soon withered; upper leaves narrower, becoming stalkless, often in whorls of 3-5. Small blue flowers with white lips on weak stalks arise in groups of 1-6 from upper leaf axils. Flowers are less than .25" long and are comprised of a brown , 2- upper lip, 3- lower lip, and 4 tucked behind middle .
