Collinsia parviflora – “Small-Flowered Collinsia”

Also Known As: Blue-Eyed Mary, Maiden Blue-Eyed Mary
Family: Figwort (Scrophulariaceae)
Bloom Period: Apr-May
Form: Annual herb
Habitat: Gravelly soils; at the “Pebble Plains”
Leaves: Linear; opposite
Translation: “Collinsia” is named for Zaccheus Collins (1764-1831), a minerologist and botanist; “parviflora” is Latin for “small flower,” a very appropriate name.
Notes: An example of a “belly flower.” It is difficult to see at all – let alone examine and identify – without getting right down on the ground next to it, on your belly.
Native American Uses: The Navajo and Kayenta fed this plant to horses to make them run fast.