Phacelia spp. (Heliotrope)

Photographs

My photos:

This lovely flowers were blooming in Joshua Tree in March.

More photos:

click photo to enlarge

Plant Information

Hydrophyllaceae

In the garden:

Leaves vary from entire to dentate to pinnate depending on the species. Flowers are deep blue, violet, purple, white or yellow, again depending on the species. For best effect, plant each Heliotrope as a single specimen instead of in a mass (which is the usual method for an annual). Best in full sun and in a well drained soil.Most species are easily grown from seeds or cuttings. Propagate by readily-germinating seeds sown in late fall to early spring.

In the wild:

This group of plants are common to the California desert areas, up to 8000 feet elevation. There are 19 species of Phacelia in Anza Borrego alone. Only a few species are used ornamentally and none of these are found in the desert.

Ethnobotany:

Various phacelias were used for greens by native people.

Field Trips
Anza Borrego Caspers Holy Jim Canyon Idyllwild
Joshua Tree Mt Palomar Rancho Santa Ana Torrey Pines

Index
Home