Phacelia campanularia var. vasiformis
Photo: parent species Phacelia campanularia · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Hydrophyllaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Phacelia campanularia var. vasiformis is a native California herb in the Hydrophyllaceae family, recognized by Funnel-shaped blue corolla (length >= width), long petioles; DMoj/n DSon.
Desert Canterbury bells is a California native annual found in the Mojave and northern Sonoran Deserts in open, sandy or gravelly areas and pinyon-juniper woodlands at elevations below 1,600 meters. Flowering from February to May, this plant produces deep blue to violet flowers in funnel-shaped corollas 25 to 40 millimeters long with dramatic, elongated stamens. Growing with delicate stems up to 45 centimeters tall, it emerges in loose, spreading clusters. Its leaves feature long petioles up to 20 centimeters with blade-like sections 2 to 10 centimeters long. The style of the flower extends impressively, reaching 30 to 45 millimeters and splitting one-quarter to one-half of its length.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Funnel-shaped blue corolla (length >= width), long petioles; DMoj/n DSon
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open, sandy or gravelly areas to pinyon/juniper woodland
Elevation: < 1600 m
California counties: San Bernardino, Inyo
Bloom period
Phacelia campanularia var. vasiformis blooms Feb-May.
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 var. vasiformis native to California?
Yes. Phacelia campanularia var. vasiformis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Phacelia campanularia var. vasiformis bloom?
Phacelia campanularia var. vasiformis blooms Feb-May.
Where in California does Phacelia campanularia var. vasiformis grow?
Phacelia campanularia var. vasiformis occurs in San Bernardino, Inyo, at elevations of < 1600 m.
What plant family does Phacelia campanularia var. vasiformis belong to?
Phacelia campanularia var. vasiformis is in the Hydrophyllaceae family, genus Phacelia.
What habitat does Phacelia campanularia var. vasiformis grow in?
Phacelia campanularia var. vasiformis grows in Open, sandy or gravelly areas to pinyon/juniper woodland.
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.