Family: Boraginaceae
Author: Torr.
Bibliography: J.C.Ives, Rep. Colorado R. 4: 21 (1861)
Year: 1861
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Phacelia
Vegetable: False
Observations: SW. U.S.A. to Mexico (Baja California Norte)
Description
Fremont’s phacelia, known scientifically as Phacelia fremontii, is a captivating plant species belonging to the family Boraginaceae. This plant was first documented in J.C. Ives’ 1861 report on the Colorado River, where it was described by the author Torr.
A perennial beauty, Fremont’s phacelia is native to the southwestern United States and extends its reach into northern Baja California in Mexico. Its natural habitat often includes arid and semi-arid regions, where it thrives in the challenging conditions of these environments.
The plant is notable for its delicate, bell-shaped flowers that generally bloom in a striking lavender or bluish color, accented by white edges. These vibrant blooms attract a variety of pollinators, making the plant not only a visual delight but also an important ecological player in its native regions.
Fremont’s phacelia typically features fuzzy, glandular stems and foliage, which is a common characteristic of the Boraginaceae family. This unique texture helps the plant retain moisture and protect itself from herbivores, contributing to its hardiness in dry climates.
Despite its unassuming size, Fremont’s phacelia holds significant ecological value, providing nourishment to insects such as bees and butterflies. Its presence also adds to the biodiversity of the landscapes it inhabits, making it an integral component of the local flora.
Fremont’s phacelia stands as a testament to the resilience and beauty of desert flora, offering both aesthetic appeal and ecological benefits to the arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Common Names
Eng: fremont’s phacelia
En: Fremont’s phacelia, Yellowthroat scorpionweed
Synonyms
- Phacelia hallii (Brand)
- Phacelia brannanii (Kellogg)
Distribution
- Arizona (native)
- California (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Nevada (native)
- Utah (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jan 14, 2016 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 14, 2016 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 14, 2016 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 14, 2016 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 14, 2016 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 14, 2016 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 14, 2016 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 14, 2016 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 14, 2016 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 14, 2016 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Fruit
Taken May 23, 2006 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Leaf
Taken Mar 19, 2005 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2928186)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:432610-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Phacelia fremontii Torr.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb