Phacelia humilis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Phacelia humilis |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Phacelia
|
| Species: |
humilis
|
The low phacelia (scientific name: Phacelia humilis) is a type of phacelia plant. You can find it growing naturally in the Western United States. It lives in places like mountains and foothills, from central Washington down to central California.
What Does Low Phacelia Look Like?
This plant is an annual herb, which means it lives for only one growing season. It has a straight stem that can grow up to 20 centimeters (about 8 inches) tall. The stem feels sticky because it has glands, and it's covered in stiff hairs.
Its leaves are oval-shaped and are usually 1 to 4 centimeters (about 0.4 to 1.6 inches) long.
Flowers of Low Phacelia
The flowers grow in a special cluster called an inflorescence. This cluster often curves or coils, with the flowers appearing on one side. Each flower is shaped like a bell and is purple. They are about half a centimeter (0.2 inches) long.
Around each flower, there are small leaf-like parts called sepals. These sepals are covered thickly with long, straight, white hairs.
Types of Low Phacelia
The low phacelia has two main types, called varieties:
- Common Low Phacelia (Phacelia humilis var. humilis): This is the most common type you will find.
- Dudley's Low Phacelia (Phacelia humilis var. dudleyi): This rare type grows only in specific parts of California. You can find it in the southern Sierra Nevada mountains and nearby Tehachapi Mountains.
