California Phacelia
Phacelia californica
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Boraginaceae
- Genus:
- Phacelia
- Species:
- Phacelia californica
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 3-4 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug
- Bloom Colors:
- White, Blue, Purple
Native Range
United States: California, Oregon
Keystone Species Ranking
- Bee Keystone:
- ★★☆☆☆ Based on number of native bee species using this genus for pollen and nectar (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Chionodes sp. B, Clepsis fucana, Coelopoeta sp. n., Oidaematophorus phaceliae, Sparganothis senecionana
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Black-tailed bumble bee (Bombus melanopygus), Black-tailed bumble bee (Bombus melanopygus), Crotch bumble bee (Bombus crotchii), Crotch bumble bee (Bombus crotchii), van Dyke bumble bee (Bombus vandykei), van Dyke bumble bee (Bombus vandykei), Yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii), Yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to coastal bluffs and slopes
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: None required
Establishment: Seeds are collected between June 1st and October 31st. Mature capsules are brown. The plant is found in rocky bluffs and canyons, mostly below 1,500 feet elevation, in north coastal scrub and chapparal; from Del Norte County to Santa Clara County, California.
Source: npn.rngr.net