Scorpion weed - Phacelia tanacetifolia

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Scorpion weed - Phacelia tanacetifolia
© Dr Chris Gibson/English Nature

The Phacelia family comes from the Americas, with most species originating in California. Like most of the other 150 or so species, this one is an annual. It has become widely naturalised on European roadsides. The leaves are finely cut, almost fern-like and the lavender-coloured flowers are extremely attractive to bees, as it is a good source of both nectar and pollen.

It has a use as a green manure and has also been planted in field margins to attract hoverflies which then act as a biological control of pest species affecting crops.

Animals

Buff-tailed bumble bee, Red-tailed bumble bee, White-tailed bumble bee

Foliage	Green
Flower	Blue, June to August
Moisture	(Dry)
Sunlight	(Full sun)
Origin	Non-native