Collinsia linearis, commonly known as Narrowleaf Blue Eyed Mary, is an annual herb that thrives in the understory of mixed conifer and oak woodlands, as well as in open areas within montane regions of Southern Oregon to Northern Central California. This plant typically grows to an erect stature of 10 to 40 centimeters tall, featuring narrow leaves that curl under at the edges. The inflorescence consists of a series of nodes, each node presenting 1 to 5 flowers. The flowers are notable for their pedicels covered in glandular hairs and exhibit a color palette ranging from white to purple-tinted to deep purple-blue, often with bicolored patterns. Flowering occurs in spring, and the blooms are quite showy, attracting pollinators such as bees.

Narrowleaf Blue Eyed Mary is appreciated for its delicate flowers and is often used in wildflower gardens, borders, and as part of native plantings. It is relatively easy to grow, requiring medium amounts of water and thriving in soils with medium drainage. While it prefers full sun to part shade, it is adaptable to various light conditions. Gardeners should note that this plant may self-seed under optimal conditions, providing a naturalized appearance in the garden. However, it is not known to be invasive and does not pose significant problems in terms of diseases or aggressive growth.CC BY-SA 4.0