Both of the forget-me-not species described feature profuse, typically blue springtime flowers, tiny but exquisite. They grow easily and densely as groundcovers; do best in cool, moist areas, as in woodland gardens, at pond edges, or along streambanks. They have invaded damp woodlands in some areas. Not usually browsed by deer.
Myosotis sylvatica
Native to Europe. State flower of Alaska. Grows to 6–12 in. high and 2 ft. wide. Soft, hairy foliage; basal leaves reach 4 in. long, while those set higher on stems are 1/2–2 in. long. Pure blue flowers with a white eye are 1/3 in. wide, set loosely along top portions of stems. Blooms and seeds profusely for a long season, beginning in late winter or early spring. Self-sows and will persist for years unless weeded out. Often sold as
M. alpestris.