Phacelia sericea
(Purple Fringe)
Phacelia sericea, Hoosier Pass, Summit Co. 1551
Phacelia sericea, Hoosier Pass, Summit Co. 1561
Phacelia sericea, Hoosier Pass, Summit Co. 7634
Phacelia sericea, Crystal Lakes, Summit Co. 4562
Phacelia sericea, Crystal Lakes, Summit Co. 0753
Phacelia sericea, Blue Lakes, Summit Co. 0106
Phacelia sericea, Bald Mountain, Summit Co. 6493
| Scientific Name | Phacelia sericea | USDA PLANTS Symbol | PHSE |
| Common Name | Silky Phacelia, Purple Fringe | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 31592 |
| Family | Boraginacea (Forget-me-not), formerly Hydrophyllaceae | SEINet Reference |
Click Here |
| Description |
Life zones and habitat: Montane to alpine (6500 to 13500 ft.); open areas, tundra and along roads and trails. Plant: Erect, clustered perennial to 16 inches tall with stout, hairy stems. Leaves: Deeply pinnately-divided stem and basal leaves with silvery hairs. Inflorescence: Many small purple flowers in spike-like clusters up to 7 inches long, each flower with very long stamens extending past the petals. Bloom Period: June to August. References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield and "Guide to Colorado Wildflowers" by G.K. Guennel. Note: Two varieties exist in Colorado, and the photos here are likely var. sericea because of their locations near or above timberline. |
BONAP Distribution Map
Map Color Key |
Colorado Status: Native |
© Tom Lebsack 2025
Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains
I try to provide accurate, up-to-date, and relevant information, but cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of any information presented on this website. I use authoritative references to insure high standards of accuracy and review and update the information frequently.