Lacy Phacelia
Phacelia tanacetifoliaLacy Phacelia is a showy wildflower native to California and the southwestern U.S., known for its striking purple flowers and finely divided, fern-like leaves. It’s not only beautiful, but also one of the best plants for supporting pollinators.
Appearance:
This annual wildflower can grow from 1 to 3 feet tall. Its leaves are soft, lacy, and deeply cut, giving the plant a delicate look. The flowers are pale blue to lavender and bloom in curled clusters, unrolling like a fiddlehead fern. The long stamens give each bloom a fuzzy, intricate appearance.
Habitat:
Found in open fields, along roadsides, and in sandy or disturbed soils. It’s native to dry areas but is widely planted as a cover crop or pollinator plant throughout the western U.S.
Bloom Time:
Spring to early summer, generally from March through June.
Pollinators:
Extremely attractive to bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, and native solitary bees. Also visited by butterflies and other beneficial insects.
Note:
Lacy Phacelia isn’t just a pretty face—it’s one of the top plants for building pollinator habitat. It’s often used in wildflower mixes and restoration projects for exactly that reason.
Phacelia tanacetifolia - Waterleaf
Tiny blue or lavender flowers grow from curling pods at ends of the stalk; 8" to 12" in height; deeply notched fernlike leaves.