In order to assess whether the presence or orientation of herkogamy is related to seed production, I measured seed maturation from whole plants. Four transects were selected through patches of M. fusiformis, and the first 20 to 30 plants within 25 centimeters of each transect were identified. Ovule counts were calculated by quadrupling the number of fully developed buds. Plants were classified as: short-styled if the stigma was located below the bottom of the anthers; intermediate-styled if the stigma was located above the bottom of the anthers but below the top of the anthers; and long-styled if the stigma was located above the top of the anthers. Ovules were scored as mature if seeds had reached full size and were hardening or had abscised and left scars indicative of maturation. Sufficient time was allowed to pass before ovules were scored such that all ovules capable of developing into mature seeds had done so; this maturation period typically lasted three weeks. Seed maturation was interpreted as indication of successful cross-pollen receipt, ovule fertilization, and embryo development.

Innumerable floral traits have been ascribed adaptive significance through a variety of mechanisms. One such trait is herkogamy, the spatial separation of the stigma and anthers. In self-incompatible plants, herkogamy is thought to reduce sexual interference, defined as any situation in which one sex function directly decreases the success of the other sex function. I investigated herkogamy in the dwarf bluebell (Mertensia fusiformis), and failed to find evidence for the presence of sexual interference or the predicted functional significance of herkogamy.