Phacelia campanularia
Desert bluebells
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Hydrophyllaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Phacelia campanularia (Desert bluebells) is a native California herb in the Hydrophyllaceae family, recognized by bright blue flowers with white spots and long exserted stamens diagnostic.
Desert bluebells is a California native annual found in desert regions in desert and dry habitat at elevations likely around 300 to 1,000 meters. Flowering from March to May, this plant produces bright blue flowers with a distinctive white spot at the base of each petal, creating a striking visual display. Growing 10 to 70 centimeters tall with erect, branching stems covered in short glandular hairs, it forms an open and delicate structure. Its leaves are ovate to nearly round with toothed edges, creating a soft and textured appearance. The fruit is ovoid, 7 to 15 millimeters long, and contains 40 to 90 small, intricately textured seeds with a net-like surface.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 38 sympatric species; bright blue flowers with white spots and long exserted stamens diagnostic
Habitat and range
California counties: San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Mendocino
How to tell it apart
vs Nemophila: Phacelia has flowers in coiled scorpion-tail clusters; Nemophila has solitary showy flowers at leaf axils.; vs Eucrypta: Phacelia is typically non-sticky with seeds that fall out cleanly; Eucrypta feels very sticky and retains 1-2 seeds in fruit.; vs Pholistoma: Phacelia has coiled flower clusters; Pholistoma has flowers scattered along stems with backward-pointing stem bristles.; vs Echium: Phacelia has coiled clusters of small flowers; Echium has large showy blue-purple flowers in tall spike-like clusters.; vs Gilia: Phacelia has coiled flower clusters and bristly foliage; Gilia has flowers in round heads or loose clusters with smoother foliage.
Frequently asked questions
Is Phacelia campanularia native to California?
Yes. Phacelia campanularia is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Phacelia campanularia grow?
Phacelia campanularia occurs in San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Mendocino.
What plant family does Phacelia campanularia belong to?
Phacelia campanularia is in the Hydrophyllaceae family, genus Phacelia.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.