Botanical Name: Mertensia virginica
Brief Description and Notes: This beautiful and native pollinator plant blooms in the warmer times of spring before going dormant in summer. Easily identified by large and smooth leaves and the nodding trumpet-shaped flowers. The buds begin pink and turn blue when they open. If in good conditions, can spread itself easily.
Where To Look For It: Rich and moist partly-shaded areas; woodlands, floodplains, thickets
Ornamental Value: Late spring color, naturalize
Ecological Value & Roles: Pollinated by various bees, butterflies, and birds, including hummingbirds; it is rare in areas where the wet habitat has been endangered
Edibility and Other Human Use: Since this plant is in the Borage family, it might make sense that the leaves and flowers are edible and can be used to garnish salads with some succulent texture.
Sources
University of Wisconsin Master Gardener Program
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Native Plants for a Cape Cod Garden: Mertensia virginica