Great Valley Phacelia
Phacelia ciliata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Great Valley Phacelia (Phacelia ciliata) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org, 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.
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.
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.
Does Great Valley Phacelia fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.