Forget-me-not

Common Name: Forget-me-not 

Scientific Name: Myosotis sylvatica

Native to: Europe, Western Asia, and India. They are classified as a weed in Tasmania.

What it looks like: Forget-me-not is a widespread flowering plant that is considered a weed in Australia. Forget-me-nots grow to between 12 and 30 centimetres tall and have long, green, hairy leaves and a tall stem with small blue or white flowers with a yellow centre.

Why is it a weed: Forget-me-nots have tiny seeds that can travel easily. This allows them to self-seed in ecosystems and spread rapidly. In severe cases, this can cause them to out-compete native plants and disrupt the natural biodiversity.

STEM Fun fact: The Forget-me-not scientific name is Myosotis sylvatica. This name comes from the Ancient Greek word Myosotis which means ‘mouse’s ear’. The small, round leaves of the plant are thought to look like a mouse’s ear.