Skip to main content

Beautiful Sagebrush Bluebells

Mertensia oblongifolia

Last reviewed: June 2026

Beautiful Sagebrush Bluebells (Mertensia oblongifolia)
Photo: Wallace Keck / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

4"–16" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, CO, ID, MT and 8 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Mertensia oblongifolia is a compact native wildflower that produces clusters of small blue flowers from May through July. This low-growing perennial forms neat clumps with oval leaves and reaches up to 16 inches tall, making it suitable for borders and mixed plantings.

In an HOA neighborhood

Beautiful Sagebrush Bluebells is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: foundation, mid zone, backyard only.

  • May look sparse or unkempt when not blooming
  • Unknown leaf retention could mean messy dormancy period

Wildlife value

The blue flowers attract bees and butterflies during the spring and summer blooming period. This native plant provides nectar for pollinators when many other flowers are not yet in bloom.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Does Beautiful Sagebrush Bluebells fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.