Phacelia cicutaria - Caterpillar Phacelia

Phacelia cicutaria is native through much of Southern and Central California. The Caterpillar Phacelia generally grows in shale scree and disturbed areas, along trails and roadcuts. I have most often found plants on South facing slopes but most any sunny location will do. Phacelia cicutaria will grow in dense stands showing off its fuzzy sepals and pale purple flowers. It is common for plants to come back in the same spot year after year from seed. The seeds of Phacelia cicutaria will appreciate a dry Summer setting, mowing for fire suppression after the seedheads have dried will just spread the seed all the more. Dried flower stalks make a great addition the the dried flower arrangement. Some folks get a skin reaction from the hairs of Phacelia cicutaria, so gloves and long sleeves are probably in order when working around this one.

Plants from the Genus Phacelia featured on this site:
Phacelia campanularia
Phacelia cicutaria
Phacelia ciliata
Phacelia crenulata
Phacelia distans
Phacelia grandiflora
Phacelia parryi
Phacelia ramosissima
Phacelia tanacetifolia
Phacelia viscida