Cinder phacelia (Phacelia serrata) grows on exposed cinder slopes and is dependent on having volcanic cinders as a substrate. The plant is usually between 4-14 inches (10 cm -35.5 cm) tall and grows at elevations from 5,200 to 8,000 feet (1.6 km-2.4 km). The upper leaves are attached directly to the base without a stalk, and in August through September blooms with showy, blue-to-voiolet flhas a violet flower. This plant is only found in two locations in the United States; El Malpais National Monument and Sunset Crater National Monument in Arizona. |
Last updated: December 11, 2020