Family: Boraginaceae
common forget-me-not, forget-me-not, true forget-me-not, water scorpion-grass
[Myosotis palustris (L.) Hill]
Richard Bauer
Paul Skawinski
University of Wisconsin - Madison (WIS-VP)
Etymology: Myosotis: from mys for "mouse" and ous for "ear," referring to short, soft leaves of some species
Plants: erect, annual/biennial, 4"-16" tall, hairy forb often with upper branches
Flowers: blue, 5-parted,1/8" wide, calyx with semi-stiff hairs, its lobes about equal the tube;
inflorescence a terminal, leafless, curving, branched cluster (cyme)
Fruits: smooth, shiny nutlet on spreading stalks
Habitat: fields, roadsides
Plants: erect, annual/biennial, 4"-16" tall, hairy forb often with upper branches
Flowers: blue, 5-parted,
inflorescence a terminal, leafless, curving, branched cluster (cyme)Habitat: fields, roadsides
Our most widespread species but unfortunately introduced from Europe and an aggressive invader; first collected in 1874. Mostly found in wet habitats especially along cold-water streams, rivers, ditches, lakeshores, low meadows, marshes, shrub-carr; rarely on cliffs and in rich forests. This species’ tendency to grow in natural settings (as well as its similar morphology) causes it to often be misidentified as M. laxa. Taking the time to examine style length and/or corolla limb width should help to readily tell the two apart, also taking into account the habitat and geographical differences.
Floristic Rating: Wetland Indicator = FAC USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos
Paul Skawinski
Merel R. Black
Merel R. Black
Elizabeth Parnis
Paul Skawinski
Joshua J. Nemec
Kurt Stüber
Caroline A. Creevey
Aaron_Carlson
