Alpine Forget-Me-Not, Scorpion Grass, Forget-Me-Not
Myosotis alpestris

Family: Boraginaceae

What it is like

Bloom Color: Blue. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late spring. Form: Upright or erect.

Myosotis alpestris is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Height (m): 0.2

Where it is found

Rare and local in Britain, growing in damp woodlands and meadows, usually on basic rock formations.

Britain, Europe, W. Asia and N. America.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

The whole plant is astringent and ophthalmic. Used as a lotion, it is an excellent remedy for many eye diseases. It is also ground into a powder and applied externally to wounds, at one time the leaf juice was used to stop nose bleeds. The plant is harvested in May and can be dried for later use.

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Ophthalmic: Treats eye complaints.

Other

Rating:

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Ground cover, Massing, Rock garden, Woodland garden. Prefers a well-drained gritty soil. Plants are hardy to about -20°c. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer. The flowers are deliciously fragrant in the evening and night time though there is little or no scent in the daytime. Special Features: North American native, Naturalizing, Fragrant flowers.

Propagating it: Seed - sow outdoors in situ in late spring or early summer. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 4 weeks at 20°c. Division in spring. Large divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer. Cuttings of young shoots, summer in a shady border.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Bog Garden;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 3-9

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist, wet

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

M. rupicola.