How much sun does Smallflower Phacelia need?

Smallflower Phacelia grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Smallflower Phacelia bloom?

Smallflower Phacelia blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Smallflower Phacelia native?

Smallflower Phacelia (Phacelia dubia) is native to AL, AR, DE, GA and 12 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Smallflower Phacelia attract?

Smallflower Phacelia draws bees, butterflies, and moths.

Is Smallflower Phacelia HOA-friendly?

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

Smallflower Phacelia

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Phacelia dubia

Last reviewed: August 2026

Smallflower Phacelia (Phacelia dubia) is a annual forb native to AL, AR, DE, GA and 12 more states. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw bees, butterflies, and moths.

Toxicity unknown

Smallflower Phacelia (Phacelia dubia) 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

medium

Size

4"–16" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AL, AR, DE, GA and 12 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

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 area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Piedmont Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Interior Plateau

Smallflower phacelia is a low-growing annual wildflower that produces small blue to purple flowers in spring. This compact native plant forms neat clumps and provides early season color when many other plants are just emerging.

Growing Smallflower Phacelia

Grow Smallflower Phacelia in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 4 to 16 inches tall and spread 4 to 12 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Smallflower Phacelia takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Annual lifecycle means gaps when plants die
Small flowers may appear weedy to HOAs
Unpredictable reseeding creates uneven appearance

Wildlife value

The flowers are valuable early nectar sources for native bees, butterflies, and moths when few other blooms are available. It's particularly important for supporting pollinators during the critical spring emergence period.

Common questions

How much sun does Smallflower Phacelia need?: Smallflower Phacelia grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Smallflower Phacelia bloom?: Smallflower Phacelia blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Smallflower Phacelia native?: Smallflower Phacelia (Phacelia dubia) is native to AL, AR, DE, GA and 12 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Smallflower Phacelia attract?: Smallflower Phacelia draws bees, butterflies, and moths.
Is Smallflower Phacelia HOA-friendly?: Smallflower 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 the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Smallflower Phacelia? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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