Fiddleneck, Lacy phacelia
Phacelia tanacetifolia
Family: Hydrophyllaceae
What it is like
Phacelia tanacetifolia is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). It is not frost tender. It is in leaf from May to September, in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
Open flats and slopes below 1200 metres.
South-western N. America in California. Often naturalized in Europe.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
Used as a green manure crop, but has not as yet (1980) been properly tested in Britain. It is not very deep rooted.
Green manure: Fast-growing plants that can be used to increase the fertility of the soil.
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.
How it is grown
Succeeds in any moderately fertile well-drained soil in a sunny position. Prefers a moist soil. The flowers are a rich source of nectar and is occasionally grown commercially as a crop for bees.
Propagating it: Seed - sow in situ in late spring or late summer. The plant often self-sows.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist