Learn More Details About This Plant

Phacelia calthifolia is a desert "fire-follower" or opportunistic annual that thrives in the heat of the Mojave. Caution is advised when handling this species, as the glandular hairs on the stems and leaves can cause a skin rash similar to poison oak in sensitive individuals.

Plant Data

Names and Taxonomy

  • Common Names: caltha-leaf phacelia, marsh-marigold phacelia
  • Synonyms:
  • Family: boraginaceae
  • Genus Information: CA 96, NV 54, AZ 49, UT 42, NM 23, TX 13

Habit and Size

  • Duration: annual herb
  • Habit: erect
  • Shape: stout / branched
  • Size: 10–50 cm tall
  • Stem: fleshy, glandular-pubescent (sticky-hairy)

Leaves

  • Color: dark green, often tinged with purple or red
  • Shape: cordate to orbicular (heart-to-round)
  • Edge: serrate to dentate (toothed)
  • Arrangement: alternate
  • Leaf Retention: annual

Flowers and Fruit

  • Sex: hermaphroditic
  • Flower Color: deep purple to violet-blue
  • Flower Size: 8–15 mm
  • Number of Petals: 5, bell-shaped (campanulate)
  • Bloom: March–May
  • Fruit: capsule

Habitat and Growing Conditions

  • Water Use: low
  • Light: full sun
  • Soil: sandy or gravelly washes, volcanic soils
  • Habitat: creosote bush scrub, desert washes, open flats

Distribution

  • Distribution: mohave desert (california and nevada)
  • Seen: Death Valley
  • Elevation: -260–4000 feet (-80–1200 meters)

Gallery

Phacelia calthifolia

Observed in the low desert washes during a spring superbloom.

Phacelia calthifolia

Death Valley

Phacelia calthifolia

Death Valley

Phacelia calthifolia

Death Valley

Phacelia calthifolia

Death Valley