Plant Profile: Phacelia tanacetifolia

Scorpion weed, an annual plant popular in Europe, is increasingly being embraced in the United States. Its delicate, feathery leaves and clusters of purple flowers make it particularly appealing to pollinators. Commonly included in cover crop seed mixes, it is easy to propagate by simply sowing the seeds directly onto the soil after the last frost. To enhance germination, scratching the seed coat and soaking the seeds overnight can be beneficial. While it can become invasive in some regions due to its ability to self-seed, its advantages as a pollinator-friendly plant often outweigh this drawback, as it can be easily tilled back into the soil, contributing nitrogen. The plant features a taproot along with dense fibrous roots, demonstrating drought resistance and a preference for full sun, thriving in sandy or rocky soils. However, it does not fare well in waterlogged conditions and is winter hardy down to 18 degrees Fahrenheit.