• A rounded cluster of vivid purple flowers with long, thin stamens radiating outward like fireworks, each tipped with a tiny yellow anther. The silky, finely divided leaves of Phacelia sericea (Silky Scorpionweed) peek out below the striking bloom.
  • A large bumblebee clings to the side of a dense purple flower spike of Phacelia sericea (Silky Scorpionweed), gathering pollen from the extended purple stamens. The vivid purple petals and silky foliage contrast against the wooden deck and blurred garden background.
  • A healthy garden clump of Phacelia sericea (Silky Scorpionweed) with numerous tall, fuzzy purple flower spikes rising above soft, silver-green, fern-like leaves. The dense purple blooms create a vibrant burst of color against the mulched ground.
  • A wild mountain clearing dotted with hundreds of blooming Phacelia sericea (Silky Scorpionweed), their deep purple flower spikes creating a haze of color across the rocky, open ground. Pine trees frame the background under a bright blue sky with billowing clouds.
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Wild About Flowers

Phacelia sericea - Silky Scorpionweed

Phacelia sericea - Silky Scorpionweed

$5.00 CAD
$5.00 CAD
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Silky Scorpionweed produces vibrant purple, bottlebrush-like flower spikes from late spring to early summer, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Hummingbirds may also be drawn to its blooms, particularly in alpine environments. Its deeply lobed, silvery-green foliage is covered in fine hairs, giving it a soft, textured appearance and making it highly deer-resistant. A short-lived perennial, it relies on prolific seed production to renew itself, allowing at least one stem to set and disperse ripe seed will help it self-sow in your garden.

A striking pioneer species, Silky Scorpionweed thrives in disturbed soils, rocky slopes, and open meadows, making it an excellent choice for restoration projects and self-sustaining landscapes. This resilient wildflower is perfect for xeriscapes, pollinator gardens, and erosion control in both urban and rural settings. Its hairy foliage and bitter taste make it unpalatable to most herbivores, offering excellent resistance to deer browsing.

How Easy Is This Plant to Grow?

Germination Difficulty: Beginner
Growing Difficulty: Beginner
Speed of Growth: Fast
Age to First Bloom: 2

Plant Sizes & Blooming Window

Important Information - The "Plant Sizes" are provided as a general guideline for plant selection. The "Blooming Window" indicates the general period when the species is in bloom, not how long an individual plant will flower.

Plant growth and bloom times will vary depending on geographical location & individual site conditions. Please scroll down to see the specific information for this plant.

Edible & Medicinal Info Disclaimer

The Edible & Medicinal information on this site is for informational purposes only and should not be acted on without thorough research and professional guidance. We are not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of or misidentification of plants.

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Plant Specifics

Seeds Per Pack

Seeds Per Package: 30

Light Conditions

  • Sun
  • Part Shade

Soil Conditions

  • Dry
  • Sandy
  • Gravelly
  • Well Drained

Height

  • Under 6"
  • Under 12"
  • 12" - 24"

Width

  • Under 12"
  • 12" - 24"

Bloom Colour

  • Purple

Month of Bloom

  • May
  • June
  • July
  • August

Vigorousness

  • Fast
  • Aggressive

Deer Resistance

  • High

Features

  • Birds
  • Butterflies
  • Bees
  • Fall Color
  • Urban Spaces
  • Rural Spaces

Chinook Exposure

  • Fully Exposed

Distribution Info

Native to western North America, including AB, BC, and SK, and extending into the Rocky Mountains, Pacific Northwest, and Great Basin of the U.S.. It thrives in sub-alpine to alpine meadows, dry rocky slopes, and open forests.

Traditional Edible & Medicinal Info

Phacelia sericea has no edible or medicinal uses.

⚠️ Toxicity Note: While some species in the Phacelia genus can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals, Silky Scorpionweed is generally not problematic for most people. Those with sensitive skin may still wish to wear gloves when handling the plant, especially during prolonged contact.