1. * California/Coastal Phacelia – Phacelia californica
(fa-SEE-lee-uh kal-ih-FOR-nik-uh )
Family: Hydrophyllaceae (Waterleaf Family)
Native to: Northern & Central CA coast to OR; rocky bluffs and canyons, mostly below 1,500 feet, in north
coastal scrub and chaparral.
herbaceous perennial
mature height: 1-3 ft.
mature width: 1-3 ft.
Lovely herbaceous perennial that grows low along immediate coast and taller in protected areas
(including gardens). Leaves dark to silver-green, crinkled with hairs typical of Phacelia species (may
cause mild skin rash). Foliage may die back in late summer/fall.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms from mid spring into summer (Apr-Aug depending on water). Among the
most showy of our CA native phacelias. Flowers small, usually light lavender/purple but may be
white to blue. Flowers clustered on dense, stout flowering stalks that unfurl through the season.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Lovely in perennial border or cottage garden – looks like a garden plant. Good
for erosion control/groundcover on slopes. Nice in rock gardens or large containers. Makes an
interesting cut flower. Good choice in/near the vegetable garden or fruit trees – attracts pollinators.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native spring/summer flowers.
Attracts: Excellent butterfly & native bee habitat plant - provides abundant nectar over long period.
Birds eat the seeds.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun (best) to part-shade.
Well-drained best; any local pH.
Looks best with some summer water – Zone 2 to 2-3; dies back with drought.
None needed, but probably OK.
Organic or inorganic mulch is fine.
Management:
Prune back dead branches in fall. Re-seeds on bare ground.
Propagation: from seed: fairly easy; fresh seed
by cuttings: probably not
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 5, 19, 31
6/27/11
© Project SOUND