What does Parry's phacelia look like?

Parry's phacelia is a low-growing annual forb with bristly stems and cup-shaped purple flowers that often have a paler or white throat.

When does Parry's phacelia bloom?

It typically flowers in spring, from March through May, with timing varying by elevation and rainfall.

How much water does Parry's phacelia need?

It is adapted to low-water conditions and does best with infrequent watering, especially once seedlings are established.

What pollinators visit Parry's phacelia?

Bees and butterflies are regular visitors to its flowers, which offer accessible nectar and pollen during the spring bloom.

What light conditions does Parry's phacelia prefer?

It grows best in full sun, though it can tolerate some light afternoon shade in hotter inland sites.

Is Parry's Phacelia HOA-friendly?

Parry's Phacelia takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Parry's Phacelia

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Phacelia parryi

Last reviewed: September 2026

Parry's phacelia is a low-water annual forb that blooms from March through May in full sun, with deep purple flowers that draw bees and butterflies.

Toxicity unknown

Parry's Phacelia (Phacelia parryi) 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

full sun

Water

low

Size

6"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AZ, CA

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Parry's phacelia is a compact annual wildflower that produces clusters of purple or blue flowers from March through May. This low-growing desert native thrives in full sun with minimal water and naturally reseeds itself for the following year.

Growing Parry's Phacelia

Grow Parry's Phacelia in full sun and low 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

Parry's 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.

Dies back completely after blooming
Can look weedy or unkempt
Self-seeding may appear random or uncontrolled

Wildlife value

The abundant flowers are excellent for supporting native bees and butterflies during the important spring blooming period.

Common questions

What does Parry's phacelia look like?: Parry's phacelia is a low-growing annual forb with bristly stems and cup-shaped purple flowers that often have a paler or white throat.
When does Parry's phacelia bloom?: It typically flowers in spring, from March through May, with timing varying by elevation and rainfall.
How much water does Parry's phacelia need?: It is adapted to low-water conditions and does best with infrequent watering, especially once seedlings are established.
What pollinators visit Parry's phacelia?: Bees and butterflies are regular visitors to its flowers, which offer accessible nectar and pollen during the spring bloom.
What light conditions does Parry's phacelia prefer?: It grows best in full sun, though it can tolerate some light afternoon shade in hotter inland sites.
Is Parry's Phacelia HOA-friendly?: Parry's Phacelia 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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Common plant problems, and what to check first

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