The Charming Field of Forget-Me-Not Flowers

County documented: documented to exist in the county by evidence (herbarium specimen, photograph). Also covers those considered historical (not seen in 20 years).

State documented: documented to exist in the state, but not documented to a county within the state. Also covers those considered historical (not seen in 20 years).

Note: On the map, only “native” status is shown when there are both native and non-native people in the same county.

Field forget-me-not is native to Europe and Asia, and widely introduced through northern and eastern North America. It can agressively fill in around buildings and unused garden spaces.

The sight of a field dotted with tiny blue forget-me-not flowers can evoke feelings of nostalgia and sentimentality These delicate blooms have inspired poets, artists and lovers for centuries with their sweet symbolism of remembrance and devotion Let’s take a closer look at the forget-me-not flower and the lore surrounding this beloved blossom.

An Overview of Forget-Me-Nots

Forget-me-nots belong to the genus Myosotis, which includes over 500 species of flowering plants in the borage family. There are both annual and perennial forget-me-not varieties. The most commonly grown species is Myosotis sylvatica, or wood forget-me-not.

These plants produce clusters of small five-petaled flowers in shades of blue, white pink or yellow. The blooms feature a yellow or white eye in the center. Leaves are alternately arranged on the slender, hairy stems. Forget-me-nots thrive in partial shade and moist soil. They readily self-seed, allowing them to naturalize easily.

The Meaning and Folklore of Forget-Me-Nots

The common name “forget-me-not” refers to the flowers’ association with remembrance. According to legend, a knight was walking beside a river with his lady when he spotted a lovely blue flower and bent down to pick it for her. As he did so, the weight of his armor caused him to lose his balance and plunge into the water, calling out “forget-me-not!” as his last words.

This apocryphal tale has roots in Medieval Germany, where the flower was known as Vergissmeinnicht. Its poignant name and meaning sparked widespread appeal. By the 16th century, forget-me-nots were worn by ladies as a sign of faithful love. They became a symbol for departed loved ones in many European nations.

Some folklore attributes magical powers to the flower. It was believed that if you wore forget-me-nots, you would never be forgotten by your true love. A German legend claimed that anyone who picked a forget-me-not would remember their future soulmate after death. Forget-me-nots have even been incorporated into wedding bouquets for good luck.

Growing Field of Forget-Me-Nots

If you’d like to cultivate your own field of forget-me-nots, it’s easy to establish a patch from seed. Choose a site with partial sun to light shade and moist, well-draining soil. Amend the soil with compost to encourage blooming.

Direct sow seeds in spring, pressing them lightly into the soil. Water gently and maintain even moisture as the seeds germinate, which takes 10-20 days. Thin seedlings 6-12 inches apart. Forget-me-nots often reseed freely, creating lush drifts of flowers. However, take care that they don’t become weedy or invasive in your garden.

These unfussy plants require minimal care. Apply mulch around plants to retain moisture and control weeds. Water during dry periods. Prune spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. At the end of the season, cut back forget-me-nots to 3-4 inches tall to tidy up the dying foliage. Scatter some seeds from the old plants to renew your picturesque field of forget-me-nots.

Enjoying Forget-Me-Nots

Plant forget-me-nots in cottage gardens, rock gardens, borders or containers. Allow them to naturalize for a romantic, informal look.
Use light blue forget-me-nots as edging along pathways, peeking out between paving stones.

Forget-me-nots make pretty additions to posies or cut flower arrangements. Float the blooms in bowls of water inside.
Create wreaths, garlands or pressed flower art using dried forget-me-not blossoms.
Grow different forget-me-not varieties for a mix of flower colors, from traditional light blue to white, pink or yellow.

Key Facts about Field Forget-Me-Nots:

Botanical name: Myosotis sylvatica
Hardy in zones 3-9
Grows 6-12 inches tall and spreads 12-18 inches

Blooms in spring and early summer
Prefers partial sun to shade
Appreciates moist, well-drained soil

Readily self-seeds
Easy to grow from seed

The Charm of Forget-Me-Nots

With their delicate beauty and romantic symbolism, it’s easy to see why forget-me-nots have captured hearts for centuries. A patch of these ethereal blue blooms evokes remembrance, true love, and nostalgia. Growing a field of forget-me-not flowers promises to be a delightful and meaningful gardening experience. Though their blooms are small and fleeting, their sentimental appeal endures.

New England distribution and conservation status

Exact status definitions can vary from state to state. For details, please check with your state.

Fill up your garden with Forget Me Not flowers!

What does field forget me not look like?

Flowers of Field Forget-me-not are 3-5mm across and have greyish-blue (occasionally pinkish) petals. The curved flowering stalks unfurl to display a succession five-lobed flowers. Leaves and stems are softly hairy.

What does a field forget-me-not plant look like?

When this plant flowers, the five petals are traditionally a light blue with a yellow eye. One of the biggest draws to Field Forget-Me-Nots is how flexible the plant is. They will wait to flower until conditions are right, staying alive until the time is right.

What is a field forget-me-not?

Much like other Forget-Me-Nots, the Field kind is native to Asia but has been introduced to North America. These flowers are largely found in Northern and Eastern North America. When this plant flowers, the five petals are traditionally a light blue with a yellow eye. One of the biggest draws to Field Forget-Me-Nots is how flexible the plant is.

Where does field forget-me-not grow?

Field Forget-me-not is also found in many parts of mainland Europe, and its eastern range extends across much of Asia. Field Forget-me-not produces flowers from April to October in Britain and Ireland, but the flowers are at their very best in springtime.