Phacelia imbricata var. bernardina
(c) Franco Folini, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Hydrophyllaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Phacelia imbricata var. bernardina is a native California perennial in the Hydrophyllaceae family, recognized by morphological differences from other varieties somewhat subtle.
Bernard's phacelia is a California native perennial found in the San Gabriel Mountains, San Bernardino Mountains, and Peninsular Ranges on slopes, roadsides, and in chaparral and woodland habitats at elevations of 250 to 500 meters. Flowering from April to August, this plant produces delicate flowers in dense, spike-like clusters that emerge from aromatic, stiff-hairy stems. Growing 60 to 100 centimeters tall with ascending to erect stems, the plant has a robust and distinctive appearance. Its leaves are finely divided, typically with 7 to 15 segments, creating a lacy, intricate foliage pattern. The outer calyx lobes are ovate to obovate, often featuring glandular characteristics that contribute to the plant's aromatic nature.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 31 sympatric species; morphological differences from other varieties somewhat subtle
Habitat and range
Habitat: Slopes, roadsides, flats, canyons, chaparral, woodland
Elevation: 250-500 m
Bloom period
Phacelia imbricata var. bernardina blooms Apr-Aug.
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 imbricata var. bernardina native to California?
Yes. Phacelia imbricata var. bernardina is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Phacelia imbricata var. bernardina bloom?
Phacelia imbricata var. bernardina blooms Apr-Aug.
What plant family does Phacelia imbricata var. bernardina belong to?
Phacelia imbricata var. bernardina is in the Hydrophyllaceae family, genus Phacelia.
What habitat does Phacelia imbricata var. bernardina grow in?
Phacelia imbricata var. bernardina grows in Slopes, roadsides, flats, canyons, chaparral, woodland.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-08
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.