About Phacelia nemoralis Greene
Phacelia nemoralis Greene, commonly known as shade phacelia, is a flowering plant species in the Hydrophyllaceae family. It is native to the United States west coast, ranging from Washington to central California. It grows in moist, typically forested habitats along the coastline and in the coastal mountain ranges. This species is a perennial herb that produces a densely hairy, erect stem that can reach up to two meters in height. Its leaves vary in shape: the largest lower leaves are 15 to 25 centimeters long and divided into multiple leaflets, while upper leaves are smaller and undivided. The inflorescence is a one-sided coiling cyme made up of bell-shaped flowers. Each flower measures up to 6 millimeters long, is greenish or yellowish white in color, and has whiskery protruding stamens. Two subspecies are recognized: Phacelia nemoralis ssp. oregonensis, commonly called Oregon phacelia, whose distribution extends into Washington State, and Phacelia nemoralis ssp. nemoralis, which occurs south of Washington.
