Lacy Phacelia

(Phacelia tanacetifolia)

Lacy Phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia)

/

return to results
Previous Plant Next Plant

/

Phacelia tanacetifolia image
scroll forward scroll backward
scroll forward scroll backward
Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Summary

Phacelia tanacetifolia, commonly known as Lacy Phacelia, is an annual herb that is native to chaparral, open oak woodlands, and desert edges in California and Northwestern Mexico. It typically grows erect to a maximum height of 100 cm (40 in) with few branches. The plant is characterized by its glandular nature and a coating of short stiff hairs. The dense and hairy inflorescence is a one-sided curving or coiling cyme of bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue and lavender, each about a centimeter long with protruding whiskery stamens. The flowers are particularly showy and bloom in succession over a long period, usually from late spring to early summer.

Lacy Phacelia is valued for its attractive flowers and ability to attract pollinators such as bumblebees and honey bees, making it an excellent insectary plant for vineyards and alongside crop fields. It is also used in gardens for its ornamental flowers and as a cover crop to improve soil health. This plant requires full sun and medium amounts of water, thriving in well-drained soils. While it is easy to grow and maintain, gardeners should be aware of its potential to self-seed and spread. In some regions outside its native range, Phacelia tanacetifolia can become invasive, so it is important to check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 2-3 feet
  • Width: 1-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Blue, Pink, Purple
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention:

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to chaparral, open oak woodlands, and desert edges in California and Northwestern Mexico

Other Names

Common Names: Blue Tansy, Purple Tansy, Lacy Scorpionweed, Tansy Phacelia, Tansy Scorpionweed, Phacelia, Fiddleneck, Facelia, Rainfarn-Büschelschön, Büschelschön

Scientific Names: , Phacelia tanacetifolia, Phacelia tanacetifolia var. pseudodistans, Phacelia tenuifolia, Phacelia tripinnata, Phacelia commixta, Phacelia tanacetifolia f. staminea, Phacelia tanacetifolia var. cinerea, Phacelia tanacetifolia var. genuina, Phacelia tanacetifolia var. tenuifolia,

GBIF Accepted Name: Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth.