San Francisco Blue Eyed Mary: A Rare California Native Worth Protecting
If you’re passionate about native California plants and want to grow something truly special, San Francisco blue eyed Mary (Collinsia multicolor) might just capture your heart. This delicate annual wildflower is as charming as its name suggests, but there’s an important story behind this little beauty that every gardener should know.
A Flower with a Conservation Story
San Francisco blue eyed Mary isn’t just any native plant – it’s a rare gem that deserves our protection. With a Global Conservation Status of S2 (Imperiled), this species is extremely rare, with typically only 6 to 20 known occurrences and between 1,000 to 3,000 remaining individuals in the wild. This makes it especially vulnerable to disappearing forever.
Important note for gardeners: If you’re interested in growing this special plant, please only use seeds or plants from reputable native plant nurseries that source their material responsibly. Never collect from wild populations!
Where Does San Francisco Blue Eyed Mary Call Home?
This California endemic is native exclusively to the Golden State, with its heart in the San Francisco Bay Area region. As a true California native, it’s perfectly adapted to the state’s Mediterranean climate and growing conditions.
What Makes This Plant Special?
San Francisco blue eyed Mary is an annual forb – essentially a soft-stemmed plant that completes its entire life cycle in one growing season. Don’t let its delicate nature fool you, though. This little wildflower packs plenty of charm with its distinctive blue and white flowers that give it that blue eyed appearance.
The plant is also known by its synonym Collinsia franciscana, reflecting its close association with the San Francisco area.
Garden Appeal and Design Role
In the garden, San Francisco blue eyed Mary shines in:
- Native California plant gardens
- Wildflower meadows and naturalized areas
- Rock gardens with good drainage
- Containers for specialty native plant displays
Its delicate flowers and modest size make it perfect for creating subtle, naturalistic beauty rather than bold garden statements. Think of it as the quiet, thoughtful friend in your garden community.
Growing Conditions and Care
San Francisco blue eyed Mary thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9-10, making it suitable for California’s Mediterranean climate regions. Here’s what this special plant needs to flourish:
- Light: Partial shade to full sun
- Soil: Well-draining soils (it doesn’t like wet feet!)
- Water: Moderate water during growing season, dry summers
- Climate: Mediterranean conditions with mild, wet winters and dry summers
Planting and Care Tips
Growing San Francisco blue eyed Mary successfully requires mimicking its natural habitat:
- Timing: Direct sow seeds in fall for spring germination
- Soil prep: Ensure excellent drainage – amend heavy soils with sand or gravel
- Watering: Water regularly during the growing season, then allow to go dormant in summer
- Maintenance: Minimal once established – let it complete its natural cycle
Remember, as an annual, this plant will complete its life cycle in one season, but it may self-seed for next year’s display if conditions are right.
Supporting Pollinators and Wildlife
Like many California natives, San Francisco blue eyed Mary provides valuable resources for local pollinators, particularly small native bees and other beneficial insects. By growing this plant, you’re not just adding beauty to your garden – you’re supporting the local ecosystem.
The Bottom Line: Should You Grow It?
San Francisco blue eyed Mary is absolutely worth growing, but with important caveats. Its imperiled status means we have a responsibility to grow it thoughtfully and only with responsibly sourced material. If you can provide the right growing conditions and source plants ethically, you’ll be rewarded with a truly special native that connects you to California’s unique botanical heritage.
For gardeners outside California or those looking for easier alternatives, consider other Collinsia species that may be more readily available and less conservation-sensitive. But for those in the right climate zone with access to responsibly sourced seeds or plants, growing San Francisco blue eyed Mary is a wonderful way to participate in conservation while enjoying a truly unique garden resident.
