phacelia
(fəˈsiːlɪə)
[mod.L. (A. L. Jussieu Genera Plantarum (1789) 129), f. Gr. ϕάκελος bundle, in reference to the clustered flowers.]
An annual herb of the genus so called, belonging to the family Hydrophyllaceæ, usually native to western North America and bearing clusters of blue, violet, or white flowers.
| 1818 A. Eaton Man. Bot. (ed. 2) ii. 354 Phacelia..bipinnatifida (phacelia..). 1835 Edwards's Bot. Reg. XX. 1696 (heading) Tansy-leaved Phacelia. 1898 A. M. Davidson California Plants 119 There are many kinds of Phacelias; the flowers vary very much in size and in color and form, but they always grow in clusters that last a long time. 1903 M. Austin Land of Little Rain 145 Larkspur in the coleogyne, and for every spinosa the purpling coils of phacelia. 1911 A. E. Speer Annual & Biennial Garden Plants 206 The Phacelias are a family of hardy annuals useful for edgings or groups, and are all natives of either California, Texas, or Mexico. 1935 Times Educ. Suppl. 9 Mar. (Home and Classroom Suppl.) p. iv/3 Phacelia is a lovely little plant of which the colour rivals that of the Gentians. 1962 Amat. Gardening 24 Mar. 9/2 My own favourite hardy annuals are..phacelia,..escholtzia. |