Mertensia ciliata are oval to lance-shaped and pointed. The inflorescence is an open array of many clustered blue bell-shaped flowers each between 1 and 2 centimeters long. The hanging, fragrant flower is tubular, expanding into a wider, lobed mouth. The flowers and leaves are edible. As the individual flowers progress in age they change in color from blue to pink-red. The flowers bear poricidal anthers and are fertilized via buzz-pollination by several "Bombus" species. Primary Nectar robbing by "Bombus" species, including "Bombus occidentalis" is common in some populations. Mertensia ciliata Mertensia ciliata is a species of flowering plant in the borage family
Edible flower unopened buds of most species, can be distasteful, often bitter. The taste and color of nectar widely varies between different species of flower; consequently, honey may vary in color and taste depending of the species of flower. Many flowers can be eaten whole, but some have bitter parts, such as the stamens and stems. Some flowers are safe to eat only in small amounts. Apple flowers ("Malus" spp.) contain cyanide precursors, and Johnny jump-ups ("Viola tricolor") contain saponins. Borage ("Borago officinalis") and daylily ("Hemerocallis" spp.) flowers are diuretics, and sweet woodruff ("Galium odoratum") can have blood-thinning effects. The flowers of