A Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis discolor)

This Plant has, unfortunately, become a weed in our little gardens as well as seeding itself over most of property. Pity it is not a little showier! The flowers are quite tiny. It could be I have the wrong species! It would not be the first time... or the last.

comments (6)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Nice find, Gary! It's definitely a forget-me-not, but which species is a bit tricky:
https://www.jungledragon.com/wildlife/browse/plantae/angiosperms/eudicots/boraginales/boraginaceae/myosotis

I think they are usually identified based on attributes of the plant, stem, leafs, not necessarily the flowers. Posted 7 years ago
1. gary fast
  
  Lion
  
  You are correct. I have tried that and will continue to pursue that. There is enough of it around to do a good investigation. Any suggestions? I am open to any. Posted 7 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    A few starting points that may help: we maintain a list of useful identification sites here:
    https://www.jungledragon.com/species/guide
    
    If that does not help, I usually go for a wide image search on Google by combining the group with the location, for example "wildflower canada", "forget-me-not canada", to see if I can find some more clues or perhaps a site that is specialized in it.
    
    Another angle is to try Facebook groups. For almost every part of the world and any group of species, you can find a group with enthusiasts, just join the group, post, and wait for an answer. Location is really key for species identification, so this strategy usually works for very well.
    
    For particular categories of species, you should simply remember some awesome go-to sites. For example bugguide.net for insects, mushroomobserver for fungi, etc.
    
    The more you practice the above strategies, the more successful you will become in finding a highly likely match.
    
    So...using the above, I found this:
    http://www.pbase.com/terrythormin/image/125006028
    
    Looks very similar to your photo, and is from the same region.
    Posted 7 years ago, modified 7 years ago
  2. 1. gary fast
      
      Lion
      
      Hello Ferdy,
      Thanks for your help. I may have to change my mind about the species. Even my “go to” ID place for BC flora is in agreement with you. http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Myosotis%20sylvatica It seems that the flower buds seem to match the ones in my photograph. Also this species does become a weed and is quite “invasive”! Now to try and change the ID of my photo! Posted 7 years ago
    2. 1. Ferdy Christant
        
        Lion
        
        hi Gary, you should be able to just use the red "X" button to remove the current identification next to the photo, and then identify with the new name. Glad you got a confirmation. Posted 7 years ago
      2. gary fast
        
        Lion
        
        Thanks a bunch... of Forget-Me-Nots! Posted 7 years ago