Phacelia campanularia – “Bluebell Phacelia”

Also Known As: Desert Bells, Desert Canturbury Bells, Wild Canterbury Bells, Desert Bluebells, California Bluebell, Desert Scorpionweed
Family: Waterleaf (Hydrophyllaceae)
Bloom Period: Feb-Apr
Form: Annual herb
Habitat: Gravelly or sandy plains
Leaves: Ovate with saw-toothed edges; alternate
Translation: “Phacelia” is Greek for “a cluster,” which refers to the crowded flowers in many species of this genus; “campanularia” is Latin for “like Campanula,” which is the genus of Canturbury Bells, a well-known garden flower that this plant resembles; “campanula,” the Latin root word, means “little bell.”
Notes: The first European to identify Bluebell Phacelia was Charles Christopher Parry (1823-1890), an American naturalist, who sent seeds to England, where the plant is still popular in gardens. Touching this plant causes contact dermatitis in some individuals – and can be as severe as a case of Poison Oak – so caution is advised.