When does Phacelia ciliata bloom?

Phacelia ciliata typically flowers from March through June, producing clusters of lavender-blue blooms on hairy stems.

What pollinators visit Phacelia ciliata?

Bees and butterflies are frequent visitors to Phacelia ciliata, drawn to its nectar-rich flower clusters during the spring bloom period.

How much water does Phacelia ciliata need?

This species is adapted to low water conditions and does best in well-drained soil that dries out between rains, matching the seasonal moisture pattern of California's grassland habitats.

What growing conditions suit Phacelia ciliata best?

Full sun and open ground with minimal irrigation suit this annual forb, which is often found in fields, roadsides, and disturbed valley soils.

Is Great Valley Phacelia HOA-friendly?

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

Great Valley Phacelia

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Phacelia ciliata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Phacelia ciliata is an annual wildflower with lavender-blue blooms from March through June, thriving in full sun and low water conditions typical of California grasslands and valley floors.

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

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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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 Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

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 Phacelia ciliata bloom?: Phacelia ciliata typically flowers from March through June, producing clusters of lavender-blue blooms on hairy stems.
What pollinators visit Phacelia ciliata?: Bees and butterflies are frequent visitors to Phacelia ciliata, drawn to its nectar-rich flower clusters during the spring bloom period.
How much water does Phacelia ciliata need?: This species is adapted to low water conditions and does best in well-drained soil that dries out between rains, matching the seasonal moisture pattern of California's grassland habitats.
What growing conditions suit Phacelia ciliata best?: Full sun and open ground with minimal irrigation suit this annual forb, which is often found in fields, roadsides, and disturbed valley soils.
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.

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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