Brewer's phacelia
Phacelia breweri
Last reviewed: October 2026
Brewer's phacelia (Phacelia breweri) is a annual forb native to CA. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw native bees and butterflies.
Toxicity unknown
Brewer's phacelia (Phacelia breweri) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
8"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CA
Pollinators
native bees, butterflies
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
A spring annual with fern-like leaves and coiled clusters of small, deep blue-purple flowers that unfurl as they open. Often appears abundantly after fire or disturbance in chaparral openings.
Growing Brewer's phacelia
Grow Brewer's phacelia in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 8 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide.
Wildlife value
A strong early-season nectar source for native bees, prized as one of the best bee plants among spring annual wildflowers.
Common questions
- How much sun does Brewer's phacelia need?
- Brewer's phacelia grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Brewer's phacelia bloom?
- Brewer's phacelia blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Brewer's phacelia native?
- Brewer's phacelia (Phacelia breweri) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Brewer's phacelia attract?
- Brewer's phacelia draws native bees and butterflies.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Brewer's phacelia? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.