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Phacelia heterophylla - varileaf phacelia

Scientific Family
Hydrophyllaceae
Other common names
variable-leaf scorpion-weed
virgate phacelia
wand phacelia
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Biennial or perennial
Height
To 4 feet
Riparian
Yes

Erect plant with sharply pointed, oval leaves, sometimes compound. Small white to purple flowers in a coiled raceme (flowers on short stalks on elongated flower stem).

Single erect stem or a central stem surrounded by lesser stems at the base; numerous spreading to erect, curled and densely bristly inflorescences; one or two smaller pairs of leaflets or lobes may be found at the base of each grayish-green hairy leaf.

Habitat

Dry open places at lower to moderate elevations; moist, coniferous forests.

Plant Community
Grasslands
Interior Chaparral
Montane Conifer Forest
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Riparian
Low elevation
4000
High elevation
9500

Flower Characteristics

Coiled terminal cluster of small white to purplish flowers.

Flower color
White to purple
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
April
Last bloom month
October
Flower clusters
Elongated

Leaf and Stem Characteristics

Upper stem leaves are very hairy, sharp-pointed ovals. Lower stem leaves are pinnately divided into 3 to 5 sharp-pointed lobes, the middle lobe much longer.

Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Grayish-green
Leaf shape
Round or oval
Leaf margin
Lobed
Leaf attachment
Basal & Alternate
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No

Fruit and Seed Characteristics

Ovoid shaped capsule less than 1/4 inch long.

Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit color
Black