Fiddleneck - Phacelia tanacetifolia, species information page. Also known as Lacy phacelia, Purple Tansy, Scorpion Weed

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Fiddleneck

Fiddleneck - Phacelia tanacetifolia
Family - Boraginaceae
Also known as - Lacy phacelia, Purple Tansy, Scorpion Weed

Derived from Greek, Phacelia means "bundle" in reference to the dense and hairy inflorescence which is a one–sided curving Cyme of bell–shaped flowers in various shades of blue or light purple. The dense pleasantly scented flowers are about 1cm (0.4in) long with protruding whiskery stamens. "Tanacetifolia" refers to leaves which resemble those of the order Tanacetum, Feverfew and Tansy.

It is a hardy annual that grows with an erect open form to a maximum height of around 1m (39 inches) with few branches, leaves are 20–200mm (0.8–7.9in long) comprised of many smaller leaflets which are deeply and intricately cut into toothed lobes giving a fern like appearance. It is an hermaphroditic plant, in flower from July to September they are pollinated by bees with the seeds forming from August to September. Grows well in most dry soils.

Fiddleneck is native to the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico and has been introduced and naturalised in many other parts of the world as a cover crop, an insectary plant for various pollinators such as the Honey bee, hoverflies (family Syrphidae), which are useful as biological pest control, also as green manure and in ornamental plantings and as a component of wildflower meadows.

FBCP do not advise or recommend that Fiddleneck – Phacelia tanacetifolia is eaten or used as an herbal remedy. Skin contact may cause irritation.

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