Virginia cowslip

plant

Also known as: Mertensia virginica, Virginia bluebell

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Last updated

July 23, 2026

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Virginia cowslip, also known as Virginia bluebell, is a smooth, erect herb native to eastern North America. This plant, scientifically named Mertensia virginica, is part of the Mertensia genus, which includes about 50 species found in temperate regions of North America and Eurasia.12

Virginia cowslip features entire leaves and showy bell-shaped flowers that are pink in bud and turn blue as they mature. It typically grows in moist woods and wet meadows, reaching about 60 cm (2 feet) in height. It is a popular spring-blooming garden and wildflower.12

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Mertensia
…the family Boraginaceae, including the Virginia cowslip, or Virginia bluebell (M. virginica), a popular spring-blooming garden and wild flower with drooping, bell-shaped, pink flowers that turn blue. The Virginia cowslip is native in moist woods and wet meadows in eastern North America and has smooth, elliptical leaves and reaches approximately…
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…the family Boraginaceae, including the Virginia cowslip, or Virginia bluebell (M. virginica), a popular spring-blooming garden and wild flower with drooping, bell-shaped, pink flowers that turn blue. The Virginia cowslip is native in moist woods and wet meadows in eastern North America and has smooth, elliptical leaves and reaches approximately…
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