Shortlobe phacelia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shortlobe phacelia |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Phacelia
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| Species: |
brachyloba
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The Shortlobe Phacelia (Phacelia brachyloba) is a type of phacelia plant. It's a plant that grows in southern California and Baja California, which is a part of Mexico. You can find it in mountains, canyons, and valleys near the coast. This plant is special because it's a "fire follower." This means it often starts growing in places where there has recently been a wildfire.
About the Shortlobe Phacelia
What It Looks Like
The Shortlobe Phacelia is an annual herb. This means it grows from a seed, flowers, makes new seeds, and then dies all within one year. It can grow straight up to about 60 centimeters (about 2 feet) tall.
The plant feels a bit hairy and sticky. Its leaves are shaped like a spearhead. They can be lobed, which means they have rounded sections, or divided into smaller lobed parts.
Its Flowers
The flowers of the Shortlobe Phacelia grow in a special cluster called an inflorescence. This cluster is also hairy and sticky. It often curves or coils to one side.
Each flower looks like a funnel or a bell. They can be up to one centimeter wide. The flowers come in colors like lavender, pink, or white. The center of each flower is usually yellow.
A Special Note
Some people have reported that touching the Shortlobe Phacelia can cause a skin reaction. This is because the plant has tiny, sticky hairs on its stems, leaves, and flowers that can release oil. It's always a good idea to be careful when touching wild plants you don't know well.
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Shortlobe phacelia with white corolla
