Prairie Bluebells: A Rare Colorado Native Worth Protecting
If you’re passionate about growing truly native plants and supporting local ecosystems, prairie bluebells (Mertensia lanceolata var. brachyloba) might catch your attention. This charming perennial forb represents one of nature’s more elusive treasures, with a story that’s as fascinating as it is cautionary for gardeners.
What Makes Prairie Bluebells Special?
Prairie bluebells belong to the borage family and showcase the classic charm of native wildflowers. As a perennial forb, this plant lacks woody stems but returns year after year from its underground root system. Unlike shrubs or trees, prairie bluebells maintain soft, herbaceous growth that dies back seasonally, making them perfect companions for other native wildflowers and grasses.
A True Colorado Native
This particular variety of prairie bluebells is native to the lower 48 states, but its current distribution is remarkably limited – you’ll find it naturally occurring only in Colorado. This narrow geographic range immediately tells us something important: this plant has very specific habitat needs and represents a truly local treasure.
The Rarity Reality Check
Here’s where things get serious for responsible gardeners. Prairie bluebells var. brachyloba carries a conservation status that demands our attention and respect. With its limited Colorado distribution and uncertain population stability, this isn’t a plant you can simply order from your typical nursery catalog.
If you’re determined to grow this native beauty, you must source it responsibly. This means:
- Never collecting plants or seeds from wild populations
- Working only with reputable native plant nurseries that propagate ethically
- Verifying that any purchased plants come from legitimate cultivation, not wild collection
- Supporting conservation efforts for rare native plants
Garden Design Considerations
As a native Colorado forb, prairie bluebells would naturally fit into wildflower gardens, native plant landscapes, and restoration projects within their native range. Their perennial nature makes them valuable for establishing long-term native plant communities that support local wildlife and maintain authentic regional character.
However, given the plant’s rarity, most gardeners should consider alternatives. The broader species Mertensia lanceolata (without the specific variety designation) may be more readily available through conservation-minded nurseries and would provide similar ecological benefits with less conservation concern.
Growing Conditions and Care
While specific growing information for this variety remains limited due to its rarity, native Colorado forbs typically thrive in conditions that mirror their natural habitats. This likely means well-draining soils, appropriate moisture levels for the region, and full to partial sun exposure.
The key to success with any rare native plant lies in recreating their natural environment as closely as possible. For Colorado natives, this often includes:
- Excellent drainage to prevent root rot
- Soil conditions that match local native habitats
- Appropriate seasonal moisture patterns
- Minimal fertilization or amendments
The Bottom Line for Gardeners
Prairie bluebells var. brachyloba represents everything we love about native plants – local adaptation, ecological value, and natural beauty. However, its rarity status means that growing it comes with significant responsibility.
For most gardeners, the best approach is to support this plant’s conservation indirectly by:
- Choosing more common native alternatives that provide similar benefits
- Supporting native plant conservation organizations
- Creating habitat for pollinators and wildlife using readily available natives
- Learning about and advocating for rare plant protection
If you do have the opportunity to grow this rare beauty through legitimate conservation efforts, consider yourself a guardian of Colorado’s botanical heritage. Your garden becomes not just a personal sanctuary, but a small ark preserving genetic diversity for future generations.
