Silverleaf Scorpionweed
(Phacelia hastata)
Silverleaf Scorpionweed (Phacelia hastata)
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Matt Lavin
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Matt Lavin
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Matt Lavin | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Matt Lavin | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2009-06-28T09:55:27-07:00 |















Estimated Native Range
Summary
Phacelia hastata, commonly known as Silverleaf Scorpionweed, is a perennial herb native to a variety of habitats in western North America, including sagebrush desert, dry mountain slopes, and alpine meadows, from British Columbia and Alberta south to California and east to Nebraska. It is adapted to high elevations, up to 13,000 feet. This species typically grows to a height of 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm) and spreads 12 inches (30 cm) wide. Silverleaf Scorpionweed has distinctive deeply veined, gray-green leaves that are covered with fine hairs, giving them a silvery appearance. From late spring to early summer, it produces showy cymes of white or lavender flowers that are attractive to pollinators such as bees.
In cultivation, Phacelia hastata is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it suitable for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is often used in wildflower gardens and as a border plant in areas with dry, sandy to rocky soil. It requires minimal maintenance once established and can be grown in full sun to part shade. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. Gardeners should be aware that Phacelia hastata can self-seed prolifically under ideal conditions, potentially becoming weedy.CC BY-SA 4.0
In cultivation, Phacelia hastata is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it suitable for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is often used in wildflower gardens and as a border plant in areas with dry, sandy to rocky soil. It requires minimal maintenance once established and can be grown in full sun to part shade. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. Gardeners should be aware that Phacelia hastata can self-seed prolifically under ideal conditions, potentially becoming weedy.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.5-2 feet
- Width: 0.5-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple, White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous, Semi-deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to sagebrush desert, dry mountain slopes, and alpine meadows in western North America
Other Names
Common Names: Scorpionweed, Silver-Leaf Scorpion-Weed, Spearhead Phacelia, Silver-Leaved Phacelia, Silver-Leaved Scorpionweed, Whiteleaf Phacelia
Scientific Names: , Phacelia hastata, Hydrophyllum paniculatum, Hydrophyllum paniculatum, Phacelia alpina, Phacelia biennis, Phacelia burkei, Phacelia canescens, Phacelia hastata, Phacelia hastata subsp. hastata
GBIF Accepted Name: