Virginia bluebell
Virginia bluebell
Mertensia virginiana, the Virginia bluebell, is one of the most lovely members of the native prevernal flora. These are the things that grow and flower before the trees have completely leaved out in the spring. Thus, although they typically grows in rich woods or along streams under trees like oaks and sycamores, they can actually tolerate a fair amount of sun in the spring. They will be completely gone by the middle of summer so you want to be sure not to disturb them. A clump of bluebells will gradually get larger, if it's in a good place. They will also come from seed, and you can simply take the mature flowering stalks and place them where you want more bluebells.
Bluebells are in the Boraginaceae, like comfrey and bluebells, and like them, the flowers start out pink and turn a lovely shade of blue as they mature.
Bluebells are pollinated by various insects, but if you look closely at the "bells" you might notice that some have been punctured near the base. Some bumblebees cheat and instead of working their way into the flower, they punch a hole in the side to get the nectar.