Shade phacelia facts for kids
Phacelia nemoralis is a type of flowering plant often called shade phacelia. It belongs to the borage family. This plant grows naturally along the west coast of the United States. You can find it from Washington down to central California. It likes to grow in damp, often wooded areas near the coast and in coastal mountains.
Quick facts for kids Shade phacelia |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Phacelia
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| Species: |
nemoralis
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Contents
What Does Shade Phacelia Look Like?
Shade phacelia is a plant that lives for several years, meaning it's a perennial herb. It has a stem that stands upright and is covered in many tiny hairs. This stem can grow quite tall, sometimes reaching up to two meters (about 6.5 feet)!
Leaves and Flowers
The leaves of the shade phacelia come in different shapes. The biggest leaves are found lower down on the plant and can be 15 to 25 centimeters (6 to 10 inches) long. These larger leaves are divided into several smaller parts, like a fern. The leaves higher up on the stem are smaller and are not divided.
The flowers grow in a special cluster called an inflorescence. This cluster is shaped like a coil and grows on one side of the stem. Each flower looks like a small bell and is about 6 millimeters (a quarter of an inch) long. They are usually greenish or yellowish-white. You might also notice their whiskery stamens, which are the parts that stick out and hold the pollen.
Where Does Shade Phacelia Grow?
This plant loves places that are moist and often shady, which is why it's called "shade phacelia." It thrives in forests and along the coastline. Its natural home is the Pacific Coast of North America.
Types of Shade Phacelia
There are two main types, or subspecies, of Phacelia nemoralis:
- Phacelia nemoralis ssp. oregonensis: This type is also known as Oregon phacelia. It grows further north, reaching into Washington State.
- Phacelia nemoralis ssp. nemoralis: This type is found south of Washington State.
