Phacelia insularis var. continentis
North coast phacelia, North Coast Phacelia
Photo: parent species Phacelia insularis · (c) Adam J. Searcy, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Hydrophyllaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Phacelia insularis var. continentis (North coast phacelia) is a native California herb in the Hydrophyllaceae family, recognized by coastal habitat and flower morphology distinctive.
North coast phacelia is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native annual found in northern coastal and central coastal bioregions in sandy bluff habitats at elevations below 180 meters. Flowering from March to May, this plant produces delicate bell-shaped flowers approximately 5 to 8 millimeters long. Growing with generally decumbent to ascending stems, it forms low-spreading clusters across sandy terrain. Its leaves are characteristic of the phacelia genus, with soft, potentially hairy edges that help distinguish this distinctive variety. The small seeds measure 1.5 to 2 millimeters, reflecting the plant's delicate nature.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 23 sympatric species; coastal habitat and flower morphology distinctive
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sandy soils, bluffs
Elevation: < 180 m
California counties: Marin, Mendocino, Santa Barbara, Alameda
Bloom period
Phacelia insularis var. continentis blooms Mar-May.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
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 insularis var. continentis native to California?
Yes. Phacelia insularis var. continentis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Phacelia insularis var. continentis bloom?
Phacelia insularis var. continentis blooms Mar-May.
Where in California does Phacelia insularis var. continentis grow?
Phacelia insularis var. continentis occurs in Marin, Mendocino, Santa Barbara, Alameda, at elevations of < 180 m.
What plant family does Phacelia insularis var. continentis belong to?
Phacelia insularis var. continentis is in the Hydrophyllaceae family, genus Phacelia.
Is Phacelia insularis var. continentis rare or endangered?
Phacelia insularis var. continentis carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.