(Vari-leaf Phacelia)

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Phacelia heterophylla, Blue Lakes Trail, Ouray Co. 8906

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Phacelia heterophylla, Blue Lakes Trail, Ouray Co. 8916

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Phacelia heterophylla, Blue Lakes Trail, Ouray Co. 8919

Scientific Name Phacelia heterophylla USDA PLANTS Symbol PHHE2
Common Name Vari-leaf Phacelia, Wand Phacelia ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 504271
Family Boraginaceae (Forget-me-not), formerly Hydrophyllaceae SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Foothills to alpine (5200 to 12000 ft.); various soils in meadows, hillsides, roadsides and woodlands.
Plant: Erect annual or biennial, usually a single stem 5 to 30 inches tall; foliage with bristly hairs and glandular hairs.
Leaves: Basal and alternate stem leaves; blades prominently veined, lanceolate to oblanceolate, 3/4 to 4 inches long, margins entire with at least some leaves having 1 or 2 pairs of small leaflets at the base of the blade; petioles reduced upward.
Inflorescence: Compact bristly cymes, initially almost spherical but opening to become a coiled scorpioid shape; small bell-shaped flowers, corolla with 5 lobes about 1/8-inch long, white becoming brownish; protruding stamens and style.
Bloom Period: May to August.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, SW Colorado Wildflowers, Montana Field Guide and Burke Herbarium.
BONAP Distribution Map


Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Native

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains