Roundleaf Phacelia
Phacelia rotundifolia
Last reviewed: August 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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
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.
Ready to grow Roundleaf Phacelia? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz