Edge/ Blue Scorpion-grass

COMMON NAME: Blue Scorpion-grass

OTHER COMMON NAME(S):

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Myosotis micrantha

FAMILY: Boraginaceae

COMMUNITY: Edge

STATUS: Naturalized, native of Eurasia

LIFESPAN: Annual or winter-annual

HEIGHT: 8 inches

FLOWERING TIME: Early May to July

FRUITING TIME: Late June to August

DISTRIBUTION: Quebec to Virginia ~ Along central and southern coast of New Jersey

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Branched from the base ~ Leaves small, less than 1 inch long, narrow ~ Flowers scattered among leaves, blue

GENERAL INFORMATION: The Boraginaceae family commonly called the Borage or Forget-Me-Not family consists of 154 genera and 2,500 species of herbs and a few shrubs and trees.  They are found in temperate and tropical regions, particularly the Mediterranean. The Latin name borrago is ultimately from the Arabic abu’arag (father of sweat) alluding to the medicinal use of Borage as a sudorific (agent that induces sweating). The name “Scorpion-grass” was given by Gerard (1633) because the flowers grow “upon one side of the stalke,…turning themselves back again like the taile of a scorpion”.  Applying the Doctrine of Signatures, which held that a plant revealed its utility by its appearance, such as its shape, this plant was used to remedy the sting of a scorpion. John Evelyn (1699) wrote that Borage (Borago officinalis) “hot and kindly moist, purifying the blood, is an exhilarating cordial, of a pleasant flavor: The tender leaves, and flowers especially, may be eaten in composition; but above all the sprigs in wine. Like those of baum, are of known virtue to revive the hypochondriac, and chear the hard student.” The family name Forget-Me-Not is a translation of the Old French ne m’oubliez mie.  Whoever wore the flower was not forgotten by his or her lover.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.