Phacelia distans
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Distant Phacelia
Distant Phacelia (also called Wild Heliotrope and Common Phacelia) is an annual wildflower that grows up to ~2.5 ft. wide by 3 ft. tall with showy cluster’s of bell-shaped flowers that bloom throughout spring into summer. The flowers may be white or shades of lavender to deep purple.
This species is variable in form, growing decumbent to erect with branching or unbranched stems that are usually coated in glandular hairs, which may be irritating to the skin as other phacelias are, so take care to wear gloves when handling.
A wonderful option for wildflower gardens mixed with other annual wildflowers, perennial shrubs, and succulents such as Ceanothus spp., California poppies, lupines, and Dudleya spp.
Lifeform:
Sun: Full Sun
Other: Attracts Bees, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Moths, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant
| Ecological Value | Larval host plant of several species of moths, including the Oso Flaco Flightless Moth, Chionodes nanodella, and Ethmia brevistiga. |
|---|---|
| Historical Uses | Kawaiisu peoples cook and eat the leaves and stems as greens. |
| Distribution | Coastal mountain ranges, valleys, and deserts throughout much of California and adjacent sections of Nevada, Arizona, and parts of northern Mexico. |
| Elevation | -34" – 9047" |
| Habitat | Meadows, clay or rocky slopes |
| Communities | Chaparral, Foothill Woodland, Lodgepole Forest, Many communities, Red Fir Forest, Valley Grassland, Yellow Pine Forest |