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Fringed Phacelia

Phacelia fimbriata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Fringed Phacelia (Phacelia fimbriata)
Photo: Halpaugh (talk) (Uploads) halpaugh@verizon.net / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Fringed Phacelia (Phacelia fimbriata) 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

part sun

Water

medium

Size

6"–18" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

GA, NC, TN, VA

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Blue Ridge

Fringed phacelia is a compact annual wildflower with delicate, fringed petals that bloom in spring and early summer. This low-growing native produces clusters of small flowers in shades of white to pale blue. As an annual, it completes its life cycle in one growing season and may self-seed in favorable conditions.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Fringed Phacelia takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Annual nature means gaps in coverage
  • Can appear weedy or unkempt
  • Self-seeding may create unpredictable growth patterns

Wildlife value

This plant is particularly valuable for native bees and butterflies during its spring blooming period. The nectar-rich flowers provide an important early season food source for pollinators.

Common questions

How much sun does Fringed Phacelia need?
Fringed Phacelia grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Fringed Phacelia bloom?
Fringed Phacelia blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Fringed Phacelia native?
Fringed Phacelia (Phacelia fimbriata) is native to GA, NC, TN, VA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Fringed Phacelia attract?
Fringed Phacelia draws bees and butterflies.
Is Fringed Phacelia HOA-friendly?
Fringed Phacelia takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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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