Fernleaf phacelia (Phacelia bipinnatifida, Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1: 134 (1803))

Family: Boraginaceae

Author: Michx.

Bibliography: Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1: 134 (1803)

Year: 1803

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Phacelia

Vegetable: False

Observations: NC. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Fernleaf phacelia, scientifically known as Phacelia bipinnatifida, is a captivating flowering plant native to the central and eastern regions of the United States. This enchanting wildflower belongs to the Boraginaceae family, a diverse group of plants often admired for their striking blossoms and ecological significance.

Erudition on Phacelia bipinnatifida can be traced back to the early botanical literature, specifically documented in “Flora Boreali-Americana” published in 1803 by the renowned botanist Michaux. His extensive fieldwork and meticulous records have paved the way for a deeper understanding of numerous plant species, including the fernleaf phacelia.

This species is distinguished by its finely divided, fern-like leaves that serve as a perfect backdrop for its delicate, bell-shaped flowers. Blooming in shades of pale blue to lavender, these flowers not only add a splash of color to the landscape but also play a crucial role in sustaining local ecosystems by attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

Fernleaf phacelia typically thrives in the shaded understory of deciduous forests, where it forms part of a rich tapestry of woodland flora. Its preferred habitats include moist, nutrient-rich soils, often found along streams and in ravines. During its flowering period, which usually occurs in early spring, the plant forms lush carpets of foliage interspersed with clusters of its lovely blooms.

Conservationists and horticulturists alike hold Phacelia bipinnatifida in high regard not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its adaptability and role in promoting biodiversity. Whether growing wild in its native habitats or cultivated in gardens designed to mimic these natural conditions, fernleaf phacelia stands out as a vibrant testament to the beauty and resilience of North America’s native plant species.

Common Names

Eng: fernleaf phacelia
En: Fernleaf phacelia

Synonyms

• Phacelia bipinnatifida var. brevistylis ((Buckley) A.Gray)
• Phacelia bipinnatifida var. plummeri (Alph.Wood)
• Phacelia brevistylis (Buckley)
• Endiplus phacelioides (Raf.)
• Endiplus bifidus (Raf.)
• Phacelia simplex (Pers.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Oct 17, 2020 by Soubran Miriam (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2018 by Anton Luru (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2021 by Christine Pearson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 26, 2020 by Elly Hutchinson (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2021 by Courtney H (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 13, 2014 by EOL − dale_denham_logsdon (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 9, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 27, 2020 by Gil Viry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 27, 2020 by Gil Viry (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 21, 2014 by EOL − Evan Raskin (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 30, 2014 by EOL − clauss (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2014 by EOL − clauss (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2014 by EOL − dale_denham_logsdon (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 13, 2014 by EOL − dale_denham_logsdon (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken Mar 28, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 28, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 28, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Other

Taken Mar 28, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 30, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2928138)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:432536-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Phacelia bipinnatifida Michx.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth