Fernleaf Phacelia (Phacelia bipinnatifida)Waterleaf Family Fernleaf phacelia, is a biennial wildflower commonly found along the Blue RIdge Mountains. It occurs naturally in rich cove forests where it thrives in partial to full shade and moist soils. This species is named for its finely divided, fern-like basal leaves and its violet flowers, which appear in early to mid-spring. Fernleaf phacelia is a biennial that reseeds easily, often returning each year once established. While it completes its life cycle relatively early in the season, its delicate texture and early spring flowers make it a great addition to the shade garden. Good companion plants include Christmas Fern, Eastern Columbine, Wild Geranium, Golden Groundsel, Mayapple, and Green and Gold. Blooms: Blooms: Blue/Purple, 3-4 wks, Apr-MayLeaves: Large, divided leaves are fern-likeHeight: 1-2’Space: 1-2'Soil: Average-MoistExposure: Shade-Part ShadeFauna: Mostly bees, host to a leaf beetleSeeds: Capsules produce abundant seed for self-sowingDeer Resistance: HighZone: 5-8Native Status: NC native,common in the Mountains, rare in the PiedmontProvenance: Unknown,seed grown
