How much sun does Roundleaf Phacelia need?

Roundleaf Phacelia grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Roundleaf Phacelia bloom?

Roundleaf Phacelia blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Roundleaf Phacelia native?

Roundleaf Phacelia (Phacelia rotundifolia) is native to AZ, CA, NV, UT, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Roundleaf Phacelia attract?

Roundleaf Phacelia draws bees and butterflies.

Is Roundleaf Phacelia HOA-friendly?

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

Roundleaf Phacelia

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Phacelia rotundifolia

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Roundleaf Phacelia (Phacelia rotundifolia) 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

4"–16" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA, NV, UT

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range North American Deserts Sonoran Basin and Range

Roundleaf phacelia is a low-growing annual wildflower that produces clusters of small blue to purple flowers from late spring through summer. This compact native plant forms neat mounds and naturally reseeds itself each year. It is drought-tolerant and requires minimal water once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Roundleaf 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 in winter as annual
Self-seeding nature may appear uncontrolled
Can look weedy or wild to conventional gardeners

Wildlife value

This plant is highly attractive to native bees and butterflies during its extended bloom period. The flowers provide nectar throughout the growing season when many other plants have finished blooming.

Common questions

How much sun does Roundleaf Phacelia need?: Roundleaf Phacelia grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Roundleaf Phacelia bloom?: Roundleaf Phacelia blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Roundleaf Phacelia native?: Roundleaf Phacelia (Phacelia rotundifolia) is native to AZ, CA, NV, UT, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Roundleaf Phacelia attract?: Roundleaf Phacelia draws bees and butterflies.
Is Roundleaf Phacelia HOA-friendly?: Roundleaf Phacelia takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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.

See all plant problem guides

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