Phacelia tanacetifolia (Hydrophyllaceae)        

A hardy annual, native to California but has naturalized throughout the western United States. The flowering portion of the stalk is curled, slowly unwinding to reveal lavender colored flowers at maturity. The stamens radiate outward, twice as long as the petals, giving the plant an unusual appearance. Prefers full sun in various soils.

Suggested Use: Roadsides, adjacent to vegetable gardens, mixes. Miscellaneous: Produces an abundant quantity of nectar which butterflies and bees find hard to resist.

Average Planting Success: 70%