Phacelia leonis
Siskiyou phacelia
(c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steve Matson · licence
Family: Hydrophyllaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Phacelia leonis (Siskiyou phacelia) is a native California herb in the Hydrophyllaceae family, recognized by opposite basal leaves and entire linear leaves distinctive.
Siskiyou phacelia is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native annual found in the Klamath Ranges in sandy flats, slopes, and conifer forest at elevations of 1,200 to 2,750 meters. Flowering from June to August, this plant produces blue to lavender flowers in widely bell-shaped corollas approximately 2 to 3 millimeters long. Growing with erect stems 4 to 15 centimeters tall, often unbranched or with few branches at the base and covered in minute glandular hairs. Its leaves are linear to oblong, 10 to 30 millimeters long, with the lowest leaves opposite and tapering to an indistinct petiole. The fruit is nearly spherical, 2.5 to 3.5 millimeters long, with a short, hairy beak containing 6 to 9 finely pitted seeds.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 18 sympatric species; opposite basal leaves and entire linear leaves distinctive
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sandy flats, slopes, conifer forest
Elevation: 1200-2750 m
California counties: Siskiyou, Santa Barbara, Trinity, Del Norte
Bloom period
Phacelia leonis blooms Jun-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.3
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 leonis native to California?
Yes. Phacelia leonis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Phacelia leonis bloom?
Phacelia leonis blooms Jun-Aug.
Where in California does Phacelia leonis grow?
Phacelia leonis occurs in Siskiyou, Santa Barbara, Trinity, Del Norte, at elevations of 1200-2750 m.
What plant family does Phacelia leonis belong to?
Phacelia leonis is in the Hydrophyllaceae family, genus Phacelia.
Is Phacelia leonis rare or endangered?
Phacelia leonis carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, 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.