When does Shade Phacelia bloom?

Shade Phacelia generally flowers from May through July, with timing varying somewhat by elevation and site conditions.

How much water does Shade Phacelia need?

Shade Phacelia does best with low water once established and tolerates the dry summer conditions typical of shaded or partly shaded woodland sites.

What light conditions suit Shade Phacelia?

Shade Phacelia grows well in part shade, such as under open tree canopies or along woodland edges, rather than in full sun.

What pollinators visit Shade Phacelia?

Bees and butterflies are the main visitors to Shade Phacelia flowers, seeking nectar and pollen during its late spring to summer bloom period.

Is Shade Phacelia HOA-friendly?

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

Shade Phacelia

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Phacelia nemoralis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Phacelia nemoralis, or Shade Phacelia, is a low-water forb that blooms from May through July in part-shade woodland settings along the Pacific Coast, drawing bees and butterflies.

Toxicity unknown

Shade Phacelia (Phacelia nemoralis) 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 shade

Water

low

Size

6"–24" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, OR, WA

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains

Shade phacelia is a delicate annual wildflower that produces clusters of small blue to purple flowers from late spring through summer. This compact native thrives in partially shaded areas and requires minimal water once established, making it ideal for woodland gardens or naturalized areas.

Growing Shade Phacelia

Grow Shade Phacelia in part shade and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Shade 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.

Annual lifecycle creates gaps and unpredictable appearance
Can look weedy or unkempt to those unfamiliar with native plants
Small stature may appear sparse in formal landscape settings

Wildlife value

The flowers are particularly valuable to native bees and provide nectar for various butterfly species during the critical late spring to summer blooming period.

Common questions

When does Shade Phacelia bloom?: Shade Phacelia generally flowers from May through July, with timing varying somewhat by elevation and site conditions.
How much water does Shade Phacelia need?: Shade Phacelia does best with low water once established and tolerates the dry summer conditions typical of shaded or partly shaded woodland sites.
What light conditions suit Shade Phacelia?: Shade Phacelia grows well in part shade, such as under open tree canopies or along woodland edges, rather than in full sun.
What pollinators visit Shade Phacelia?: Bees and butterflies are the main visitors to Shade Phacelia flowers, seeking nectar and pollen during its late spring to summer bloom period.
Is Shade Phacelia HOA-friendly?: Shade 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.

If something looks wrong

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