Longflower bluebells is the most likely species of bluebells to be encountered in early spring in the Boise Front, appearing as early as mid March.  Apparently never abundant, it has nearly disappeared from the lower foothills, being unable to compete with the invasive non-natives.  One of the most reliable places to spot some is along the Watchman Trail, shortly after the trail is free of snow in early spring, and well before the arrowleaf balsamroot are at their peak.

Bjornson (1946) had this to say about the genus:  “Mertensia is named for Franz Carl Mertens of Germany. Let us be thankful he had a euphonious name, for these pretty blue flowers deserve a pleasant-sounding name. Many gardeners prefer to call these bluebells by the generic name, Mertensia, to distinguish them from the bluebells belonging to another family.”  She also noted how the flower buds are often pink, before maturing into the bright blue flowers that provide the common name.  Several other completely unrelated species are also often called bluebells, including English bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta).