Phacelias are annual or perennial herbs in the Phacelia genus of the borage family. They can cause a strong allergic skin reaction, similar to poison oak, in many people.
Perennials
Kaweah River Phacelia
Kaweah River phacelia (also called rock phacelia) is native to Yuba and Sutter Counties and typically grows at elevations below 5,000 feet. It is found in central oak woodland and yellow pine forest. It tolerates serpentine.
You can see pictures of it at CalPhotos, Flickr, and Picasa. You can find out where to buy it at the California Native Plant Link Exchange.
Imbricate Phacelia
Imbricate phacelia is a two- to three-foot-tall by one- to two-foot-wide, white-flowering, drought-deciduous phacelia that is native to Sutter County and typically grows at elevations below 8,500 feet. It is found in central oak woodland.
You can read more about it at the Theodore Payne Wiki. You can see pictures of it at CalPhotos, Flickr, and Picasa. You can find out where to buy it at the California Native Plant Link Exchange.
Annuals
Caterpillar Phacelia
Caterpillar phacelia is native to Yuba and Sutter Counties and typically grows at elevations below 4,500 feet. It is found in central oak woodland and valley grassland.
You can read more about it at the Theodore Payne Wiki. You can see pictures of it at CalPhotos, Flickr, and Picasa. You can find out where to buy it at the California Native Plant Link Exchange.
Lacy Phacelia
Lacy phacelia (also called tansyleaf phacelia) is a one- to four-foot-tall by one- to three-foot-wide, purple-flowering phacelia that is native to Sutter County and typically grows at elevations below 6,000 feet. It is most often found on slopes in central oak woodland, valley grassland, and yellow pine forest. It prefers full sun and tolerates poor drainage.
You can read more about it at the Theodore Payne Wiki and the Las Pilitas Nursery website and USDA Conservation Plant Characteristics. You can see pictures of it at CalPhotos, Flickr, and Picasa. You can find out where to buy it at the California Native Plant Link Exchange.
