Lacy Phacelia
Phacelia tanacetifolia
Also listed as Phacelia commixta, Phacelia tripinnata
Also known as Tansy Phacelia, Lacy Scorpion-weed, Tansy Scorpion-weed
Climate Match for your location
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Lacy phacelia is a fast-growing annual groundcover with finely divided, fern-like foliage and delicate purple-blue flowers that attract pollinators. It thrives in poor, well-drained soils and is often used as a cover crop or in wildflower mixes.
Why grow it
Lacy phacelia establishes quickly compared to other cover crops, making it useful for filling bare ground and suppressing weeds in a single season. Its nectar-rich flowers attract a broader range of pollinators than many cover crop alternatives, which can benefit adjacent plantings. The plant tolerates poor and compacted soils where slower-establishing species might struggle, and its fine foliage breaks down readily when incorporated, adding organic matter without persistent residue.
Watch out for
Lacy phacelia prefers cool-season growing conditions and may bolt or decline in intense summer heat, particularly in hot climates. While it establishes quickly, it can self-seed prolifically in favorable conditions, so deadheading spent flowers helps prevent unintended spread if you prefer to control its distribution.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Hydrophyllaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southwestern United States
Native to: Arizona, California, Nevada
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Lacy phacelia is a fast-growing annual groundcover with finely divided, fern-like foliage and delicate purple-blue flowers that attract pollinators. It thrives in poor, well-drained soils and is often used as a cover crop or in wildflower mixes.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Lacy Phacelia grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Lacy phacelia establishes quickly compared to other cover crops, making it useful for filling bare ground and suppressing weeds in a single season. Its nectar-rich flowers attract a broader range of pollinators than many cover crop alternatives, which can benefit adjacent plantings. The plant tolerates poor and compacted soils where slower-establishing species might struggle, and its fine foliage breaks down readily when incorporated, adding organic matter without persistent residue.
Watch out for
Lacy phacelia prefers cool-season growing conditions and may bolt or decline in intense summer heat, particularly in hot climates. While it establishes quickly, it can self-seed prolifically in favorable conditions, so deadheading spent flowers helps prevent unintended spread if you prefer to control its distribution.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Hydrophyllaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southwestern United States
Native to: Arizona, California, Nevada
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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