Miami-mist
Phacelia purshii
Last reviewed: August 2026
Phacelia purshii, or Miami mist, is an annual forb that blooms April through June with fringed lavender-blue flowers. It grows well in part-sun spots with medium to moist soil, such as floodplains and open woodland edges.

Toxicity unknown
Miami-mist (Phacelia purshii) 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"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, CT, GA and 16 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Before you buy
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Miami-mist is a delicate annual wildflower that produces clusters of small, pale blue to white flowers from April through June. This compact native grows 6-24 inches tall with soft, finely divided foliage that creates a light, airy texture in the garden. It prefers partial sun and average moisture conditions.
Growing Miami-mist
Grow Miami-mist in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 6 to 24 inches tall and spread 4 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Miami-mist 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.
- Very informal wildflower appearance
- Dies back completely after blooming
- May reseed unpredictably
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and butterflies during its spring to early summer bloom period. As an annual, it provides nectar resources during an important time when many pollinators are most active.
Common questions
- When does Miami mist bloom?
- Miami mist typically flowers from April through June, producing clusters of small fringed blue-lavender blooms on branching stems.
- What pollinates Miami mist?
- Bees and butterflies are the main visitors to Miami mist flowers, drawn to the fringed petals and open blooming habit.
- What growing conditions does Miami mist need?
- This forb does best in part sun with medium to consistently moist soil, similar to conditions found in floodplain woods and moist meadow edges.
- What does a Miami mist flower look like?
- The flowers are pale lavender to blue-violet with distinctly fringed petal edges, giving the bloom clusters a soft, misty appearance.
- Is Miami mist a perennial plant?
- No, Miami mist is an annual forb. It completes its life cycle in one growing season, germinating in fall or early spring and flowering by late spring.
- Is Miami-mist HOA-friendly?
- Miami-mist takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Miami-mist? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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