Colorado Desert Phacelia
Phacelia distans
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States
Karl Blosfeldt (en.wikipedia.org),Botanicheskiĭ sad (Akademi︠︡ia nauk SSSR : Leningrad, R.S.F.S.R) Fischer, F. E. L Meyer, C. A. (Charles Aloysius), 1909- n 80032575 Trautvetter, E. R,Arthur Hill Hassall,D.H. Snowberger (Firm), author,Barrows, John, 1913-1974,Hubbert, James, Rev,Universita?t Frankfurt am Main.,Mm Th Damaskinos A Bourgeois,Universita?t Innsbruck.,Blankinship, J. W. Engelmann, George, Gray, Asa,,Hubbert, James,Macoun, John, 1831-1920
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Boraginaceae
- Genus:
- Phacelia
- Species:
- Phacelia distans
- USDA Symbol:
- PHUM2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 80 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- blue, lavender, white
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)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Areniscythris brachypteris, Ethmia brevistriga, Ethmia coquillettella
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Anthophora californica, Ceratina arizonensis, Crotch bumble (Bombus crotchii), ⚠️Western honey bee (Apis mellifera), Yellow-faced bumble (Bombus vosnesenskii) Moths:Cauchas Zeller
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Surface sow or lightly cover; germinates best in cool conditions. Light may improve germination rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI