Mountain Bell
Mertensia ciliatafam. Boraginaceae
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Pl. A15B — Mertensia ciliata
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IOverview
Overview
Mountain Bell (Mertensia ciliata) is a perennial herb found in the wild across several western U.S. states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. Known for its edible flowers and leaves, this plant thrives in moist to wet conditions with light to partial sun exposure. It prefers soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) and has a pH range of 6.2–7.2. With a height of up to 0.8 meters, Mountain Bell can be recognized by its distinctive light green foliage and bell-shaped flowers, making it both an ornamental and edible addition to the landscape.
Quick answers
What is Mountain Bell?
Mountain Bell (Mertensia ciliata) is a perennial herb found in the wild across several western U.S. states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Mountain Bell thrives in partial sun to full sun and prefers moist to wet conditions with light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils. It is hardy in zones 4-8 and grows as a perennial, reaching up to 0.8 meters tall. For best results, maintain soil pH between 6.2 and 7.2. Propagate through division or seed sowing. Harvest the edible flowers and leaves for culinary use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.8 m tall
Soil pH
6.2–7.2
For first-time growers
How to grow Mountain Bell for the first time
8steps
Start with Mountain Bell as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Mountain Bell plants or seeds, a trowel, compost, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is well-draining with a pH between 6.2-7.2; amend as needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in early spring, or transplant young plants after the last frost.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged; mulch around base for moisture retention.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide partial sun to full sun, and water when soil feels dry. Prune dead foliage in spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune spent flowers to encourage more blooms; cut back plants after frost for a tidy look.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, and not providing enough sunlight are common issues.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeaves
Edible uses: The mountain bell plant is edible and its flowers and leaves can be consumed. Typically, the leaves are eaten fresh in salads or cooked as a green vegetable. The flowers may also be used raw in salads for their mild flavor.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
11 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
11 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 11 native
Broader regions
native:Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Boraginaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Boraginaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
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