Collinsia parryi
Parry's blue eyed mary
(c) LJ Moore-McClelland, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Plantaginaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Collinsia parryi (Parry's blue eyed mary) is a native California herb in the Plantaginaceae family, recognized by small flowers and 8-12 slightly winged seeds diagnostic.
Parry's blue eyed mary is a California native annual herb found in the Transverse Ranges, Santa Ana Mountains, San Jacinto and San Bernardino Mountains, and Mojave Desert at elevations of 500 to 1,600 meters in open chaparral, sagebrush scrub, and mixed woodland. Flowering from April to June, this delicate plant produces blue-violet to lavender flowers 4 to 10 millimeters long, occasionally with white variations. Growing with finely hairy stems 10 to 40 centimeters tall, it spreads in slender, branching formations. Its leaves are lance-shaped, ranging from entire to slightly scalloped, with upper leaves clasping the stem and becoming narrower toward the top of the plant. The small flowers cluster sparingly, with typically one to three pedicels at each node, creating a subtle and graceful appearance in its native habitat.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 12 sympatric species; small flowers and 8-12 slightly winged seeds diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open chaparral, sagebrush scrub, mixed woodland
Elevation: 500-1600 m
California counties: Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Kern, Riverside, Orange, Ventura, San Diego, Monterey, Lake
Bloom period
Collinsia parryi blooms Apr-May(Jun).
How to tell it apart
vs Penstemon: Collinsia has stamens hidden in keeled lower lip; Penstemon has stamens visible with one sterile 'beard.'; vs Stachys: Collinsia has a keeled lower petal hiding stamens; Stachys has square stems and flowers in tight whorls.; vs Lupinus: Collinsia has snapdragon-like flowers; Lupinus has pea-family flowers with banner, wings, and keel.; vs Linaria: Collinsia has keeled lower lip hiding stamens; Linaria has spurred flowers with protruding stamens.
Frequently asked questions
Is Collinsia parryi native to California?
Yes. Collinsia parryi is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Collinsia parryi bloom?
Collinsia parryi blooms Apr-May(Jun).
Where in California does Collinsia parryi grow?
Collinsia parryi occurs in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Kern, Riverside, Orange, Ventura, San Diego, Monterey and other counties, at elevations of 500-1600 m.
What plant family does Collinsia parryi belong to?
Collinsia parryi is in the Plantaginaceae family, genus Collinsia.
What habitat does Collinsia parryi grow in?
Collinsia parryi grows in Open chaparral, sagebrush scrub, mixed woodland.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.