Changeable Phacelia

Phacelia mutabilis

Changeable Phacelia

Genevieve K. Walden

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Boraginaceae
Genus:
Phacelia
Species:
Phacelia mutabilis

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Biennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
2-3 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct
Bloom Colors:
White, Purple

Native Range

United States: California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington

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 guttatus, Oidaematophorus phaceliae, Sparganothis senecionana

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Fuzzy-horned bumble bee (Bombus mixtus), Fuzzy-horned bumble bee (Bombus mixtus), Two-form bumble bee (Bombus bifarius), Two-form bumble bee (Bombus bifarius), Yellow head bumble bee (Bombus flavifrons), Yellow head bumble bee (Bombus flavifrons), Yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii), Yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to arid regions; prefers open, sunny locations