Silverleaf phacelia (Phacelia hastata, Nov. stirp. pug. 2:20. 1830)

Family: Boraginaceae

Author: Dougl. ex Lehm.

Bibliography: Nov. stirp. pug. 2:20. 1830

Year: 1830

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Phacelia

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. Canada to W. & NC. U.S.A.

Description

Silverleaf phacelia, scientifically known as Phacelia hastata, belongs to the Boraginaceae family. This resilient plant has been documented as early as 1830, with the initial description provided by Douglas and Lehmann in the work “Novarum Stirpium Pugillus.” Native to Western Canada and spanning across the Western to North-Central regions of the United States, Silverleaf phacelia is well-regarded for its hardiness and adaptability to various climates.

Phacelia hastata is renowned for its striking silver-green foliage and delicate, bell-shaped flowers that range from a subtle blue to deep violet hue. The plant typically thrives in rocky, dry soils, often found in open woodlands and sagebrush steppe environments. As a member of the diverse Boraginaceae family, its floral structure is notably characteristic, providing ecological value as it attracts a myriad of pollinators including bees and butterflies.

The Silverleaf phacelia holds not only aesthetic appeal but also ecological significance. It contributes to soil stabilization and offers valuable habitat for wildlife. Gardeners and plant enthusiasts often seek out Phacelia hastata for native plant gardens and xeriscaping due to its drought tolerance and minimal maintenance needs.

In conclusion, Silverleaf phacelia (Phacelia hastata) is a noteworthy species within the Boraginaceae family. Its historical significance, coupled with its robust nature and ecological contributions, make it a plant of considerable interest and value.

Common Names

Eng: silverleaf phacelia, silver-leaved phacelia, silver-leaved scorpionweed
Fra: phacélie hastée
En: Silverleaf phacelia, Silver-leaved phacelia, Silver-leaved scorpionweed
Fr: Phacélie hastée

Synonyms

Distribution

• Alberta (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• Nevada (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Oregon (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Utah (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jul 8, 2021 by Mars (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2021 by Mars (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 14, 2019 by Maya J (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2022 by NotRealyHere OrThere (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2020 by randa keys (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Sep 2, 2012 by EOL − Genevieve K. Walden (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 2, 2014 by EOL − Genevieve K. Walden (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 31, 2004 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 28, 2020 by Steph Hogan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2020 by correa cristian (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 31, 2004 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 31, 2004 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 1, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 1, 2010 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 1, 2010 by EOL − Keir Morse (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/2928209)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:432632-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Phacelia hastata Douglas ex Lehm.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Bunch

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.3

Ph minimum: 6.1