# Tall Bluebell (*mertensia paniculata*)

The Tall Bluebell (Mertensia paniculata), also known as the northern bluebell or tall lungwort, is a charming perennial wildflower native to the moist, cool regions of northern North America. This plant is a standout in woodland gardens and wild forests, forming lush green carpets that burst into vibrant color from late spring to mid-summer. One of its most captivating features is the color transition of its blossoms, which start as delicate pink buds before opening into clusters of brilliant, nodding blue bells. This beautiful display makes it a favorite sight for hikers and nature enthusiasts exploring northern trails.

- **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Snaps:** 6
- **Habitat:** Found in moist, shaded environments such as boreal forests, riparian zones, and montane meadows.

![Tall Bluebell](https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/514759138/medium.jpg)

Photo: allan5519, CC BY 4.0 · [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/514759138)

## Appearance

Growing between 30 and 90 centimeters tall, this perennial herb features alternate, lance-shaped to ovate leaves that are covered in fine, short hairs, giving them a slightly rough texture. The star attraction is its terminal, drooping clusters of bell-shaped flowers, with each individual bloom measuring about 1 to 1.5 centimeters in length. The blossoms exhibit a striking color gradient, transitioning from soft pink when young to a deep lavender-blue as they mature, suspended gracefully from arching stems.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Plantae
- **Phylum:** Tracheophyta
- **Class:** Magnoliopsida
- **Order:** Boraginales
- **Family:** Boraginaceae
- **Genus:** Mertensia

## Interesting facts

- The common name lungwort arose because early herbalists believed the leaf patterns resembled lung tissue and used it to treat breathing disorders.
- The dramatic pink-to-blue color change in the blossoms is caused by changes in the pH level of the cell sap as the flower matures.
- The drooping, bell-like shape of the flowers protects the pollen from being washed away or damaged by heavy summer rains.

## Special abilities

- **Color-Changing Petals:** The flowers shift in color from pink to blue as they age, signaling to pollinators like bees which flowers are open and have the highest nectar rewards.
- **Cold-Hardy Rhizomes:** It survives harsh northern winters by dying back to a sturdy underground rhizome system, which allows for rapid growth in early spring as soon as snow melts.
- **Foliar Insulation:** Fine hairs on the leaves and stems help trap a thin layer of air, reducing moisture loss and protecting the plant from unexpected late-spring frosts.

## Measurements & details

- **Length:** 30-90 cm
- **Lifespan:** 3-10 years

## Diet & Feeding

As a photosynthetic organism, it produces its own food using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water while absorbing essential minerals from moist soil.

- **Primary Foods:** Sunlight, Carbon dioxide, Water, Soil minerals

## Ecological connections

- **Mutualism:** Rusty-patched Bumblebee (*Bombus affinis*) — Serves as an important source of nectar and pollen for bumblebees emerging in late spring.
- **Eaten by:** [Snowshoe Hare](https://www.snappit.app/explore/snowshoe-hare) (*Lepus americanus*) — The leaves and stems are occasionally grazed upon by hares during the spring and summer months.

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Tall Bluebell?

Start with the whole plant, then compare leaf arrangement, leaf edges, stems and any flowers or fruit. Opposite leaves grow in pairs; alternate leaves come one at a time along the stem. These details tell you far more together than a single green leaf does. Plant Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How long is Tall Bluebell?

30-90 cm

### How long does Tall Bluebell live?

3-10 years

### What does Tall Bluebell eat?

As a photosynthetic organism, it produces its own food using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water while absorbing essential minerals from moist soil.

### Where is Tall Bluebell usually found?

Found in moist, shaded environments such as boreal forests, riparian zones, and montane meadows.

## Where to spot

- [Illinois Street Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/illinois-street-historic-district) — Alaska, US · Historic District
- [Kincaid Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/kincaid-park) — Alaska, US · Park
- [Kennecott](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/kennecott) — Alaska, US · Historic District
- [Mount McKinley National Park Headquarters District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/mount-mckinley-national-park-headquarters-district) — Alaska, US · National Park

[View all places to see Tall Bluebell](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/tall-bluebell)

## More Plants

- [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*)
- [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*)
- [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*)
- [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*)

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Source: [Tall Bluebell: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tall-bluebell)