Phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia) | Cover Crops Canada (2024)

Cool Season Annual

Phacelia is an upright broadleaf forb. It is one of the most attractive flowers for bees providing a high quality nectar. Phacelia has a dense shallow root system that is able to improve soil structure. Narrow leaves and fine stems allow the plant to have low water usage and is quite drought tolerant. It is quite shade tolerant and will stay green well into late fall. Seeds need to be buried to germination, so broadcast seeding is not an effective way of seeding without some incorporation. Salinity rating is low.

Seeds per pound: 240,000 Seeds/sq ft/pound 6.6

Uses:

• Erosion control
• Soil builder
• Nitrogen scavenger
• Weed suppression
• Grazing potential
• Hay potential
• Pollinator attracter
• Builds soil structure

Strengths:

• Quick to establish
• Improves soil structure
• Bees love it
• Drought tolerant
• Shade tolerant

Concerns:

Small seed.

Grazing:

Good. Slow regrowth.

Hay:

Good. Dries down nicely.

Mycorrhizal support? Yes