Phacelia nemoralis var. nemoralis
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Family: Hydrophyllaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Phacelia nemoralis var. nemoralis is a native California herb in the Hydrophyllaceae family, recognized by smaller dimensions than var. oregonensis.
Phacelia nemoralis is a California native perennial found in northern coastal and central western California on moist slopes, streambanks, and within mixed-evergreen and conifer forests at elevations of 50 to 1,150 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces delicate green-white flowers with corolla blossoms 3.5 to 5 millimeters long. Growing with slender stems less than 7 millimeters in diameter, the plant develops a distinctive foliage pattern with basal leaves typically composed of 3 leaflets. Its leaves are characterized by a compound structure, with each basal leaflet contributing to the plant's intricate botanical design. Small seeds, ranging from 1 to 3 in number and measuring 1.5 to 2 millimeters, complete the plant's reproductive cycle.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 39 sympatric species; smaller dimensions than var. oregonensis
Habitat and range
Habitat: Moist slopes, streambanks, mixed-evergreen or conifer forest
Elevation: 50-1150 m
California counties: Santa Clara, San Mateo, San Luis Obispo, Santa Cruz
Bloom period
Phacelia nemoralis var. nemoralis blooms Apr-Jul.
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 nemoralis var. nemoralis native to California?
Yes. Phacelia nemoralis var. nemoralis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Phacelia nemoralis var. nemoralis bloom?
Phacelia nemoralis var. nemoralis blooms Apr-Jul.
Where in California does Phacelia nemoralis var. nemoralis grow?
Phacelia nemoralis var. nemoralis occurs in Santa Clara, San Mateo, San Luis Obispo, Santa Cruz, at elevations of 50-1150 m.
What plant family does Phacelia nemoralis var. nemoralis belong to?
Phacelia nemoralis var. nemoralis is in the Hydrophyllaceae family, genus Phacelia.
What habitat does Phacelia nemoralis var. nemoralis grow in?
Phacelia nemoralis var. nemoralis grows in Moist slopes, streambanks, mixed-evergreen or conifer forest.
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.