Phacelia imbricata var. patula
(c) Franco Folini, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Hydrophyllaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Phacelia imbricata var. patula is a native California subshrub in the Hydrophyllaceae family, recognized by fewer leaf segments and non-glandular sepals distinguish it.
Phacelia imbricata var. patula is a California native perennial found in the southern Gabilan Range, southern Bernardino Mountains, and Peninsular Ranges on slopes, roadsides, flats, and in chaparral and woodland habitats at elevations of 750 to 2,600 meters. Flowering from May to August, this plant produces delicate, small flowers in open, panicle-like clusters. Growing with stems ranging from decumbent to erect, 20 to 80 centimeters tall, it has a distinctive branching structure. Its leaves are divided into 3 to 7 segments, creating a finely textured, lacy appearance. The flower clusters feature outer calyx lobes that are distinctively lanceolate in shape.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 31 sympatric species; fewer leaf segments and non-glandular sepals distinguish it
Habitat and range
Habitat: Slopes, roadsides, flats, canyons, chaparral, woodland
Elevation: 750-2600 m
California counties: Los Angeles, Ventura, San Diego
Outside California: Baja California
Bloom period
Phacelia imbricata var. patula blooms May-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. patula native to California?
Yes. Phacelia imbricata var. patula is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Phacelia imbricata var. patula bloom?
Phacelia imbricata var. patula blooms May-Aug.
Where in California does Phacelia imbricata var. patula grow?
Phacelia imbricata var. patula occurs in Los Angeles, Ventura, San Diego, at elevations of 750-2600 m.
What plant family does Phacelia imbricata var. patula belong to?
Phacelia imbricata var. patula is in the Hydrophyllaceae family, genus Phacelia.
What habitat does Phacelia imbricata var. patula grow in?
Phacelia imbricata var. patula grows in Slopes, roadsides, flats, canyons, chaparral, 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.