Scott Valley Phacelia
(Phacelia greenei )
Hydrophyllaceae (waterleaf family)

Photo by Joe Molter, BLM

Description: Annual, 2 to 8 inches (5 to 20 cm) tall. Stem spreading to ascending, branched at base, with short, glandular hairs. Leaves mainly alternate, long and narrow, broadest above the middle of the leaf and tapering downward, up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. Flowers clustered in a dense, one-sided raceme coiling back around, petals 5, united at the base, deep violet to purple, 1/4 inch (6 mm) long.

Distribution: Klamath Ranges, eastern Siskiyou County

Habitat: Bare gravelly ultramafic ("serpentine") ridges and slopes in montane coniferous forest. Elevations from 5000 to 7000 feet (1500 to 2100 m).

Flowering Period: May to June

Similar Plants: This species is similar to P. leonis and P. pringlei, whose ranges it overlaps. With further research and consultation, characteristics of each plant can be learned so proper verification can occur.

Status: BLM Sensitive, California Native Plant Society List 1B