Tansy-leaved phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia)

Tansy-leaved Phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia) is an annual plant whose lovely lavender-blue flowers are very attractive to pollinators and other beneficial insects. The flowers are bell-shaped with long stamens that protrude beyond the petals. The flowers grow in clusters at the top of the stem. The deeply cut leaves give this plant its lacy appearance. Tansy-leaved Phacelia is a valuable pollinator plant and is especially favored by bees. It also attracts hoverflies, beneficial insects that eat aphids and other pests. Tansy-leaved Phacelia is often planted in vineyards and next to crops because its nectar-rich flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators. It is also used as a bee-friendly cover crop on organic farms. In the garden, it does best in full sun and well-draining sandy soil. This plant has a fast growth rate. Be aware that some people can experience skin irritation after touching this plant. From Calscape.

Growers: Heritage Growers, Larner Seed

Other Names Used: Lacy Phacelia

Family: Hydrophyllaceae

Life Cycle: Annual

Plant Type: Herb

Sun Exposure: Full

Bloom Period: Spring

Bloom Color(s): Lavender, Blue

Plant Height: 2-4 feet tall

Plant Width: 2 feet wide

California Regions:

• San Francisco Bay Area
• Central Valley
• Central California Coast
• Southern Coast
• Southern California Inland
• Desert

Ecological Benefits:

• Deer Resistant
• Attracts pollinators, birds, wildlife

Ecological Functions:

• Grows in Containers

Habitat Type:

• Chaparral
• Coastal Grassland
• Valley Grassland
• Oak Woodland 
• Yellow Pine Forest

Human Uses/Cautions: 

Skill Level: Beginner

Seed Pretreatment: None