Great Valley Phacelia
Phacelia ciliata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Phacelia ciliata (Great Valley Phacelia) is a California native wildflower that blooms from March through June with blue flowers. This drought-tolerant forb thrives in full sun and attracts bees and butterflies.
Great Valley Phacelia (Phacelia ciliata) 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.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CA, NY
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Great Valley Phacelia is a spring-blooming annual wildflower with delicate lavender to purple flowers that attract pollinators. It grows quickly to form a compact, rounded shape with fern-like foliage. This native wildflower thrives in full sun with low water requirements.
Growing Great Valley Phacelia
Grow Great Valley Phacelia in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Great Valley Phacelia is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.
Works well in: backyard only, mid zone.
- Annual lifecycle means it dies back completely after blooming
- Can look untidy as it completes lifecycle
- May self-seed if not deadheaded, creating unexpected volunteers
Wildlife value
This plant is highly attractive to native bees and serves as an excellent nectar source for butterflies. Its abundant spring blooms provide critical early-season food for pollinators.
Common questions
- When does Great Valley Phacelia bloom?
- Phacelia ciliata blooms from March through June, producing clusters of blue flowers that attract pollinators during spring and early summer.
- What pollinators visit Great Valley Phacelia?
- This native California wildflower attracts bees and butterflies with its nectar-rich blue flowers, making it valuable for pollinator gardens.
- Where is Phacelia ciliata native?
- Great Valley Phacelia is native to California and New York, though it is primarily associated with California's Central Valley region.
- Is Great Valley Phacelia toxic to dogs?
- Great Valley Phacelia is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Great Valley Phacelia toxic to cats?
- Great Valley Phacelia is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Great Valley Phacelia HOA-friendly?
- Great Valley Phacelia is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Great Valley Phacelia? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz