Branched phacelia (Phacelia ramosissima) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 9

Special Significance of the Species

Populations of Phacelia ramosissima in British Columbia are unique in that they are at the northern extent of their geographic range. The species is not known to have commercial value and is not generally known as a horticultural species. It has, however, been grown in the gardens of some keen native plant gardeners but is not especially desirable because of its weedy nature under cultivation. This attribute under garden conditions does not seem to apply under natural conditions, at least in British Columbia. In Canada, the species is quite restricted in its distribution and does not exemplify the general attributes of weeds that allows them to spread and occupy diverse habitats as seems to occur in states such as California.

The leaves have been used as a food source by natives of southern California and the roots for certain medical treatments (Moerman 2005).

Page details

Date modified: