When does Phacelia tanacetifolia bloom?

Phacelia tanacetifolia typically flowers from March through June, with peak bloom in spring in warmer, drier climates such as those found in Arizona, California, and Nevada.

What pollinators visit Phacelia tanacetifolia?

Bees, butterflies, and moths are frequent visitors to Phacelia tanacetifolia, drawn to its clustered, nectar-rich flowers throughout its spring bloom period.

How much water does Phacelia tanacetifolia need?

This forb tolerates low to medium water and does best in well-drained soil, making it suited to dry, sunny sites once established.

What growing conditions suit Phacelia tanacetifolia best?

Phacelia tanacetifolia grows best in full sun to part sun with low to medium moisture, conditions common in open, dry landscapes of the Southwest.

Is Fiddleneck toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Fiddleneck as toxic to livestock.

Is Fiddleneck HOA-friendly?

Fiddleneck is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Fiddleneck

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Phacelia tanacetifolia

Last reviewed: August 2026

Phacelia tanacetifolia is a fast growing forb that blooms from March through June, producing coiled clusters of lavender-blue flowers. It thrives in full sun with low water in dry, open sites across the Southwest.

Fiddleneck (Phacelia tanacetifolia) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Fiddleneck as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AZ, CA, NV

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Mojave Basin and Range Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Phacelia tanacetifolia is a native annual wildflower with lacy, fernlike foliage and curved lavender-blue flower spikes that resemble a fiddleneck. It grows quickly to 1-3 feet tall, blooming profusely from spring into early summer. This plant is drought-tolerant once established.

Growing Fiddleneck

Grow Fiddleneck in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Fiddleneck is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.

Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.

Can look untidy after blooming
May self-seed aggressively in some gardens
Annual nature means seasonal appearance changes

Wildlife value

Fiddleneck is exceptionally valuable to native bees and honeybees, often called 'bee's friend' for the abundant nectar and pollen it provides. It also attracts butterflies and moths.

Common questions

When does Phacelia tanacetifolia bloom?: Phacelia tanacetifolia typically flowers from March through June, with peak bloom in spring in warmer, drier climates such as those found in Arizona, California, and Nevada.
What pollinators visit Phacelia tanacetifolia?: Bees, butterflies, and moths are frequent visitors to Phacelia tanacetifolia, drawn to its clustered, nectar-rich flowers throughout its spring bloom period.
How much water does Phacelia tanacetifolia need?: This forb tolerates low to medium water and does best in well-drained soil, making it suited to dry, sunny sites once established.
What growing conditions suit Phacelia tanacetifolia best?: Phacelia tanacetifolia grows best in full sun to part sun with low to medium moisture, conditions common in open, dry landscapes of the Southwest.
Is Fiddleneck toxic to dogs?: Fiddleneck is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Fiddleneck toxic to cats?: Fiddleneck is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is Fiddleneck toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Fiddleneck as toxic to livestock.
Is Fiddleneck HOA-friendly?: Fiddleneck is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

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.

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