Parry's Phacelia
Phacelia parryi
Last reviewed: August 2026
Phacelia parryi is a drought-tolerant native wildflower found in Arizona and California that blooms from March through May. This sun-loving forb attracts bees and butterflies with its purple flower clusters.

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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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
- When does Phacelia parryi bloom?
- Phacelia parryi typically blooms from March through May, producing clusters of purple flowers during the spring months.
- What pollinators visit Phacelia parryi?
- Phacelia parryi attracts various bees and butterflies, making it a valuable plant for supporting native pollinator populations in desert and chaparral habitats.
- Where is Phacelia parryi native?
- Phacelia parryi is native to Arizona and California, where it grows naturally in desert washes, rocky slopes, and chaparral communities.
- What growing conditions does Phacelia parryi prefer?
- Phacelia parryi thrives in full sun locations with well-draining soil and requires minimal water once established, making it well-suited to xeriscaping and native plant gardens.
- 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.
Ready to grow Parry's Phacelia? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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