Natural History

Names and Taxonomy

Common Names Fremont’s Phacelia Synonyms Phacelia fremontii
Family Sunflower (Asteraceae)

Habit and Size

Type Annual
Habit Herb or Forb
Shape Columnar
Size Up to 12 inches (30 cm)
Stem hairy

Leaves

Color Dark Green
Shape Oblong to oblanceolate; deeply lobed to compound; segments mostly rounded
Edge Deeply lobed
Arrangement Alternate
Surface Smooth

Flowers and Fruit

Flower Color Purple and Yellow
Flower Head Size 1/4" up to 1” (1.5 to 2 cm) long
Number of Petals 5
Bloom Mar, Apr, May, Jun
Fruit Achene

Habitat and Growing Conditions

Water Use Medium
Light Requirement Sunny
Soil Moisture Dry
Soil Description Well-draining soil
Elevation 2-5 thousand feet

Current and Native Distribution

Distribution AZ, CA, NV, UT
Native AZ, CA, NV, UT
Growing Zones 7a-10b
Habitat Type Plains, mesas, arid flats, shrub land and grasslands; gravelly soils along washes

More Photographs

Frémont’s Phacelia (Frémont’s phacelia)

Western White Butterfly (Pontia occidentalis) on Phacelia Fremontii (Frémont’s phacelia), Red Rock Canyon, Las Vegas

Frémont’s Phacelia (Frémont’s phacelia)

Dantes Overlook, Death Valley