Broadleaf bluebells
Mertensia platyphylla
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Broadleaf bluebells (Mertensia platyphylla) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
12"–24" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
WA
Pollinators
bumble bees, bees
Before you buy
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A woodland perennial with broad, textured leaves and clusters of nodding, bell-shaped blue flowers held above the foliage in spring. It forms a neat clump in shaded, humus-rich soil.
Wildlife value
The nodding blue flowers are a favored early nectar source for bumble bee queens emerging in spring.
Common questions
- How much sun does Broadleaf bluebells need?
- Broadleaf bluebells grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Broadleaf bluebells bloom?
- Broadleaf bluebells blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Broadleaf bluebells native?
- Broadleaf bluebells (Mertensia platyphylla) is native to WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Broadleaf bluebells attract?
- Broadleaf bluebells draws bumble bees and bees.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Broadleaf bluebells? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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