Family: Boraginaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Nemophila menziesii (baby blue eyes) is a low-growing annual wildflower native to western North America, ranging from the western United States to Mexico (Baja California). It is best known for its delicate, sky-blue, cup-shaped flowers with white centers that bloom in cool seasons, often forming colorful carpets in meadows and open woodlands. This species is popular in native plant gardens, pollinator plantings, and wildflower mixes due to its attractive blooms and ability to support bees and other beneficial insects. It is typically used as an ornamental groundcover in temperate gardens and thrives in well-drained soils with mild conditions.

Risks & Threats
Although Nemophila menziesii is currently not known to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, it does possess traits that are cause for concern in tropical island ecosystems. Its ability to produce abundant seed and establish quickly in favorable conditions raises the possibility that it could spread beyond intended garden areas if introduced widely. In Hawaii’s year-round growing climate, species with fast life cycles and prolific seeding can sometimes behave unpredictably and compete with native vegetation in disturbed habitats. For these reasons, caution is warranted, and gardeners are encouraged to choose low-risk or Hawaiian native alternatives when such options are available to help protect local ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, and can grow in >5 hardiness zones demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Naturalized elsewhere (specifics lacking)
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Seeds dispersed by ants, water and intentionally by people
  
• Self-compatible
  
• Able to reach maturity in <1 year (annual)
  
• Seeds possess dormancy and may form a persistent seed bank

Low Risk Traits:

• Despite naturalization, no documented negative impacts to date
  
• May only pose a threat to higher elevation areas in the tropics
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• No reports of toxicity or allergens
  
• Beneficial to bees and other pollinators
  
• Ornamental
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively