Scientific Name

Phacelia cicutaria

Full Sun

Part Sun

Part Shade

Low

Max. Height × Width

2 × 5 feet

More information

calscape.org

Price & Availability

Seed package

$5

3 inch

$4

sold out

Caterpillar Phacelia is an iconic local wildflower one seldom sees in cultivated gardens. Bush-like in form, with diminutive clusters of flowers that range from white to mauve to lavender and unfurl in graceful, caterpillar-like arabesques, Phacelia cicutaria will thrive in full sun to part shade. Abundant blossoms and a long flowering period make this a favorite with the pollinator crowd. As it can get quite wide, it’s not recommended for planting with smaller wildflower species it might overwhelm.  A couple of caveats: the tiny hairs that cover the stems of Caterpillar Phacelia can be irritating to the skin. (Use regular gardening gloves when handling.) Also, Caterpillar Phacelia agressively self-seeds and will quickly show up all over your garden each fall. This may require some curating as you cull any seedlings that may pop up in an inopportune spot.