woodland wildflower
Purple Phacelia
Phacelia bipinnatifida
Also known as Fernleaf Phacelia, Fernleaf Scorpion Weed, Spotted Phacelia, Loose-flowered Phacelia
1 of 2Native to the Southeast and the Midwest
Virginia to Indiana and Missouri, south to Georgia mountains and Arkansas
- Light Part shade to shade Sun tolerance
- Moisture Moist Moisture preference
- Zones n/a Cold to heat range
- Bloom Mar–May Flowering time
- Height
- Life cycle Biennial Annual to perennial
In the garden
A woodland wildflower for part to full shade and evenly moist soil. Its blue flowers peak in April.
Growing conditions
Light
Full sun Partial shade Full shade
Moisture
Dry Moist Wet
When it blooms
The Purple Phacelia's blue flowers bloom March to May, peaking in April. This spring display draws bees and flower flies.
Purple Phacelia blooms blue, purple & violetFoliage
Pollinators & wildlife
- Bees Common Eastern Bumble Bee also Brown-belted Bumble Bee, Two-spotted Bumble Bee
- Flower flies Margined Calligrapher
Full plant details
Where it grows
- Habitat
- WoodlandThe wild plant community it grows in.
- Native range
- The Southeast and the MidwestUnited States (14): AL, AR, GA, IL, IN, KY, MO, MS, NC, OH, SC, TN, VA, WV. Where it grows wild on its own, by state and province.
- Native distribution
- Virginia to Indiana and Missouri, south to Georgia mountains and ArkansasThe same native range, usually more exact than the state list, and often noting where it has spread beyond it.
Growing conditions
- Light
- Part shade to shadeHow much sun it takes, from full sun to full shade.
- Moisture
- MoistThe soil dampness it prefers, from dry to wet.
- Soil
- Loose, moist, acid, sometimes rocky soils. Tolerates limeThe soils it grows in naturally.
- Water use
- MediumHow thirsty it is, a rough guide to how often to water.
Growth & form
- Life cycle
- BiennialWhether it lives a single season (annual), two (biennial), or returns for years (perennial).
Flowers, foliage & fruit
- Type
- WildflowerWhat kind of plant it is.
- Bloom
- Mar–MayWhen it flowers.
- Flower color
- Blue, Purple, VioletThe bloom color, or colors.
- Fruit/Seeds
- ripens Apr–MayThe seed or fruit it sets after flowering.
- Toxicity
- None knownWhether any part is poisonous to people or pets.