Phacelia californica
California phacelia
California coast and southern Oregon
Overview
Phacelia californica is a herbaceous to semi-woody perennial in the borage family, forming a low mound 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) tall of bristly, dark green leaves. The leaves are 2–5 inches (5–13 cm) long, oblong, and often divided with a few small lateral lobes near the base, all covered in stiff hairs. Flowering stems rise above the foliage and carry tightly coiled, one-sided clusters that unroll like a fiddlehead as the buds open. The bell-shaped flowers are about 0.3 inch (7 mm) long, pale lavender to dull purple, with long stamens that project well beyond the petals and give the cluster a fuzzy look. It grows on coastal bluffs, rocky slopes, and open scrub along the California coast, blooming from spring into summer. The bristly foliage can cause skin irritation in sensitive people. It tolerates wind, salt spray, and lean soils but does not persist in heavy, wet, or shaded sites.
Native Range
Phacelia californica is native to the Pacific coast of the United States, ranging through the California Coast Ranges and into southern Oregon, mainly within reach of coastal influence.Suggested Uses
It is used in coastal and native plant gardens, pollinator plantings, and dry rocky banks. It grows in low-water and bluff-side landscapes exposed to wind and salt.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pale lavender to purpleFoliage Description
dark green, bristlyGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Phacelia californica grows in full sun to light shade on well-drained, even rocky or sandy soils, and tolerates coastal wind and salt spray. Once established it needs little to no summer water and withstands drought. It is grown from seed and is short-lived, often persisting only a few years while reseeding in place. It does not tolerate heavy, wet, or richly fertilized soils. The bristly foliage can irritate skin on contact in sensitive people.Pruning
Spent flower stems are sheared after bloom to tidy the plant and may prompt a light rebloom. Dead foliage is cleared as needed. Leaving some seed heads allows reseeding to maintain the planting.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons