Phacelia sericea

(Purple Fringe)

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Phacelia sericea, Hoosier Pass, Summit Co. 1551

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Phacelia sericea, Hoosier Pass, Summit Co. 1561

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Phacelia sericea, Hoosier Pass, Summit Co. 7634

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Phacelia sericea, Crystal Lakes, Summit Co. 4562

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Phacelia sericea, Crystal Lakes, Summit Co. 0753

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Phacelia sericea, Blue Lakes, Summit Co. 0106

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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 2024

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