Myosotis arvensis aka Common Forget Me Not

Taxonomy

Genus Myosotis Family Boraginaceae Order Boraginales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Myosotis arvensis, also known as field forget-me-not, is a herbaceous annual to short-lived perennial flowering plant in the family Boraginaceae. It typically grows upright to a height of 40 centimeters (16 inches) and is softly hairy, with hairs at more-or-less right angles to the stem. The flowers are grey-blue, saucer-shaped in profile, and measure 3-5 millimeters (1/8-13/64 inches) across. The sepal tube of the flower has hooked hairs. The plant produces mature dark brown and shiny fruit, with the mature calyx on spreading stalks longer than the sepal tube. The calyx teeth conceal the ripe fruit. The basal leaves are stalked and form a rosette, while the upper leaves are not stalked. Myosotis arvensis is commonly found on open, well-drained ground and is widespread throughout the British Isles. This plant can be an annual or biennial herb and is capable of forming an over-wintering rosette of greyish-green, hairy leaves. It reaches a height of around 40cm and mainly flowers in spring, but can continue blooming until autumn. The curved flowering stalk produces a succession of blue, occasionally pink, 5-lobed flowers. Field forget-me-not is a versatile plant that can thrive in different types of soil. Its seeds have the ability to remain dormant in the soil for up to 30 years and germinate when conditions become favorable. The plant's flowers are pollinated by small flies and hymenopterans, and it can also self-pollinate to ensure seed production. The whole calyx of the plant, which has hooked hairs, aids in its spread by attaching to animal fur or people's clothes and dispersing to new habitats. While it can be a nuisance weed for farmers and gardeners, field forget-me-not is commonly found in various habitats such as rocky outcrops and vegetable gardens. In summary, Myosotis arvensis, or field forget-me-not, is a versatile and adaptable plant found throughout the British Isles. It has upright growth, grey-blue saucer-shaped flowers, and hairy leaves. It can be a nuisance weed but is also valued for its ability to thrive in different environments.

Common names

Common Forget Me Not, Field Forget Me Not, Field Scorpion Grass

How to care for Common Forget Me Not

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Common Forget Me Not due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Common Forget Me Not should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Common Forget Me Not requires special care to keep it thriving. Its sensitivity to dry soil means that you need to be especially careful when it comes to selecting the right potting soil. Look for a soil that will retain moisture, but is also well-draining. A good potting soil should have plenty of organic material, such as coco coir or sphagnum moss, which will help to keep the soil moist and provide extra nutrition for your plant. When planting your Field Scorpion Grass, make sure to mix the soil with some compost or manure to give it an extra boost of nutrients. Additionally, you should water your plant often to ensure that the soil remains moist. With the right care and attention, your Common Forget Me Not will bloom beautifully in your home.

Lighting

Common Forget Me Not thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Field Scorpion Grass.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Common Forget Me Not is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

More info:
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More Species in Myosotis Genus

Myosotis sparsiflora

Myosotis forsteri Myosotis Forsteri

Myosotis macrosperma Large Seed Forget Me Not

Myosotis scorpioides Water Forget Me Not

Myosotis sylvatica Garden Forget Me Not

Myosotis balbisiana

Myosotis asiatica Alpine Forget Me Not

Myosotis alpestris Alpine Forget Me Not

Myosotis corsicana Myosotis Corsicana

Myosotis discolor Yellow Scorpion Grass