Serpentine Phacelia

Phacelia corymbosa

Native to:
United States
Serpentine Phacelia

Genevieve K. Walden

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Boraginaceae
Genus:
Phacelia
Species:
Phacelia corymbosa
USDA Symbol:
PHCO3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
white, lavender

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Keystone Species Ranking

Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
★★★★☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to serpentine soils

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate best with cold stratification and may have erratic germination typical of Phacelia species.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI