broadleaf forget-me-not

Myosotis latifolia

The broadleaf forget-me-not is a lovely little flower with bright blue petals. It grows in many places and is known for its sweet name, reminding us to remember our friends.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The broadleaf forget-me-not has small, vibrant blue flowers, each with a bright yellow center, clustered at the ends of its stems. Its distinguishing feature is its softly hairy, broad, oval-shaped leaves, setting it apart from other, narrower-leaved forget-me-not varieties.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderBoraginalesFamilyBoraginaceaeGenusMyosotis

broadleaf forget-me-not

Interesting facts

In some cultures, giving these flowers is a symbol of true love and remembrance.

Its small flowers often grow in a coiled "scorpion tail" shape before fully opening.

The name "forget-me-not" means "do not forget me" in many languages!

The tiny yellow 'eye' in its blue flower guides insects to the nectar!

Special abilities

broadleaf forget-me-not has tiny, hooked seeds that can latch onto animal fur or clothing, helping them travel to new places.

broadleaf forget-me-not has broad leaves that efficiently capture sunlight, allowing it to thrive in the dappled shade of woodlands.

broadleaf forget-me-not can readily self-seed, dropping its seeds nearby to create new plants and expand its patch.

Measurements & details

Height: 15-60 cm
Spread: 15-30 cm
Flower Size: 0.3-0.8 cm
Bloom Season: Spring to summer
Edible: No
Toxicity: None
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

European honey bee

Apis mellifera

Visits flowers for nectar and pollen.

eats

Garden snail

Helix aspersa

Snails sometimes feed on its leaves.

eaten by

Deer mouse

Peromyscus maniculatus

Mice sometimes eat its seeds.

Traits

Flowering

Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.

Spring Blooming

Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.

Fragrant Flower

Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.

Pollinator Magnet

Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.

Wetland

This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.