Mountain Bluet – Native Plant of the Day 10/06/2023
Photo from 09/23/2013. Location: Clingman’s Dome, GSMNP, Swain County, NC.
More photos / info at the Houstonia serpyllifolia detail page.
Mountain Bluet – Houstonia serpyllifolia
Also NPOD 10/29/2014, 10/06/2015, 10/06/2016, 10/06/2017, 10/06/2018, 10/06/2019, 10/06/2020, 10/06/2021, 10/06/2022
We have hundreds of these in bunches around the land. They bloomed in march and April and I was trying to find out how long they bloomed and if I could use them as groundcover. They seem to love living with oak trees of which I have 7 acres of. They appear to lighten from blue to white as they age.
PS I’m in Cartersville VA
On my morning walk I found two yards, across the street from each other, with maybe 100 sq. feet of these beauties coloring the turf. I note that they are on the Maryland “state watch list”. Should I notify anyone of this “sighting”? I live in Bowie, Maryland.
I’m not sure how to advise you. Houstonia caerulea is a similar-looking species, and is apparently quite common, so you might want to verify that’s not the species you have. If you want ot pursue reporting it, I found this information: “The Wildlife and Heritage Service (the Service) within DNR is the lead state agency responsible for the identification, ranking, protection, and management of rare and endangered species and natural communities in Maryland.” Sounds like the Maryland DNR might be the folks to contact.
Not sure which variety I have here in Monroe County, PA but its the most beautiful ground cover!