Phacelia cicutaria var. hispida
Caterpillar phacelia
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Hydrophyllaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Phacelia cicutaria var. hispida (Caterpillar phacelia) is a native California herb in the Hydrophyllaceae family, recognized by Lavender corolla + gray calyx hairs; SCoR/SW/w D (vs yellow-white Sierran var. *cicutaria*).
Caterpillar phacelia is a California native annual found in southern coastal ranges, southwestern California, and western desert regions in rocky slopes, oak and pine woodlands, and grasslands at elevations below 2,000 meters. Flowering from February to June, this plant produces distinctive lavender flowers with gray-hairy calyx lobes. Growing with slender stems 10 to 40 centimeters tall, it spreads across its rocky habitat with delicate branching. Its leaves are deeply divided, with narrow, finely cut segments that give the plant a feathery, intricate appearance. The plant's genetic makeup is characterized by 11 chromosome pairs, contributing to its unique botanical signature.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Lavender corolla + gray calyx hairs; SCoR/SW/w D (vs yellow-white Sierran var. *cicutaria*)
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky slopes, oak/pine woodland, grassland
Elevation: < 2000 m
California counties: Los Angeles, San Diego, Ventura, San Bernardino, Orange, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Riverside, Inyo, San Benito, Kern, Merced, Fresno, Tulare, Mariposa
Outside California: Baja California
Bloom period
Phacelia cicutaria var. hispida blooms Feb-Jun.
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 cicutaria var. hispida native to California?
Yes. Phacelia cicutaria var. hispida is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Phacelia cicutaria var. hispida bloom?
Phacelia cicutaria var. hispida blooms Feb-Jun.
Where in California does Phacelia cicutaria var. hispida grow?
Phacelia cicutaria var. hispida occurs in Los Angeles, San Diego, Ventura, San Bernardino, Orange, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey and other counties, at elevations of < 2000 m.
What plant family does Phacelia cicutaria var. hispida belong to?
Phacelia cicutaria var. hispida is in the Hydrophyllaceae family, genus Phacelia.
What habitat does Phacelia cicutaria var. hispida grow in?
Phacelia cicutaria var. hispida grows in Rocky slopes, oak/pine woodland, grassland.
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.