Coast Phacelia (Phacelia californica)

Phacelia californica is native to coastal northern California and Oregon, where it grows in chaparral, woodland, and coastal bluffs and grassland. It is a perennial herb growing decumbent or erect, its branching stems reaching up to 90 centimeters long. It is roughly hairy in texture. The leaves are up to 20 centimeters long, the lower ones divided into several leaflets. The dense, hairy flower cluster is a one-sided curving or coiling cyme of many bell-shaped flowers. Each white or pale blue to lavender flower is under a centimeter wide. This native wildflower is a food source for the Mission blue butterfly, an endangered species endemic to San Francisco.It should be noted that there are a very large number of species in the genus Phacelia. Most are annuals. Gardeners should look for species appropriate to their area and garden conditions. From Calscape.

Growers: Heritage Growers, Larner Seed

Other Names Used: Rock Phacelia

Family: Hydrophyllaceae

Life Cycle: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Sun Exposure: Full, Partial

Bloom Period: Spring, Summer (March to August)

Bloom Color(s): Lavender, White

Plant Height: 6-16 inches tall

Plant Width: 1-2 feet wide

California Regions:

• San Francisco Bay Area
• North Coast
• Central California Coast

Ecological Benefits:

• Drought Tolerant
  
• Attracts pollinators, birds, wildlife, bats
  

Ecological Functions:

• Grows in Containers
• Bluffs
• Open Spaces

Habitat Type:

• Coastal Grassland
  
• Northern Coastal Scrub

Human Uses/Cautions: 

Skill Level: Beginner

Seed Pretreatment: None