General: Palmer's Phacelia (Phacelia palmeri) is a rare plant found only on gypsum-rich soils, although on these soils, it can be locally common. The plant grows from a basal rosette of relatively long, feather-shaped leaves with crinkled edges. As the plant ages, it develops a stem, with a tuft of living leaves only atop the stem. In bloom, the plant develops a long, branching, but upright flower stalk. The flowers are purple.

Palmer's Phacelia often is a dominant component of vegetation communities on gypsum-rich soils in the Upper Sonoran (Mojave Desert Scrub) life zone. Gypsum-rich soils, however, are rare in the Mojave Desert, so while this plant can be common where found, it is found in few places, and therefore is considered a rare plant.

Family: Waterleaf (Hydrophyllaceae).

Other Names: Palmer's scorpionweed.

Plant Form: Perennial forb growing as a basal rosette or as an erect stem with a tuft of living leaves atop the stem.

Height: Basal rosette: about 2 inches; Erect stem to about 12 inches; flowering stalk to about 2-1/2 feet.

Stems: Woody, with dead leaves attached.

Leaves: simple, edges curled under, edges with slight lobes; to about 5 inches long.

Flowers: Inflorescence: cyme. Corolla bell-shaped, 5 fused sepals, 5 purple petals. NOTE: Bristly hairs may cause severe dermatitis.

Seeds: Fruit: capsule.

Habitat: Gypsum-rich soils.

Elevation: 2,000 to 3,000 feet.

Distribution: Southern Nevada, southeastern Utah, and northwestern Arizona.

Comments: This unusual plant is often found in association with other gypsum-soil plants including California (Las Vegas) Bearpoppy (Arctomecon californica), Silverleaf Sunray (Enceliopsis argophylla), and Parry’s Sandpaper Bush (Petalonyx parryi).