How much sun does Distant phacelia need?

Distant phacelia grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Distant phacelia bloom?

Distant phacelia blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Distant phacelia native?

Distant phacelia (Phacelia distans) is native to AZ, CA, MA, NV and 1 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Distant phacelia

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Phacelia distans

Last reviewed: October 2026

Distant phacelia (Phacelia distans) is a annual forb native to AZ, CA, MA, NV and 1 more states. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw bees.

Toxicity unknown

Distant phacelia (Phacelia distans) 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 × 12"–18" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AZ, CA, MA, NV and 1 more states

Pollinators

bees

Before you buy

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A sprawling annual with finely divided, fern-like leaves and coiled clusters of small lavender-blue bell-shaped flowers that unfurl as they open. Grows loosely along the ground on open slopes and washes, dying back after spring bloom.

Growing Distant phacelia

Grow Distant phacelia in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 8 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide.

Wildlife value

One of the most reliable early-spring bee plants in its range, drawing large numbers of native bees during peak wildflower bloom.

Common questions

How much sun does Distant phacelia need?: Distant phacelia grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Distant phacelia bloom?: Distant phacelia blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Distant phacelia native?: Distant phacelia (Phacelia distans) is native to AZ, CA, MA, NV and 1 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Distant phacelia attract?: Distant phacelia draws bees.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.

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