Nine Mile Canyon Phacelia: A Rare California Native Worth Protecting
Meet the Nine Mile Canyon phacelia (Phacelia novenmillensis), a little-known annual wildflower that’s as rare as it is special. This California native might not be on every gardener’s radar, but for those passionate about conservation and unique native plants, it deserves serious consideration – with some important caveats.
What Makes This Plant Special?
Nine Mile Canyon phacelia is an annual forb, which means it’s a non-woody flowering plant that completes its entire life cycle in one growing season. As a member of the Phacelia genus, it’s part of a family known for producing beautiful, often blue or purple flowers that are absolute magnets for pollinators.
This plant is a true California endemic, meaning it evolved here and exists nowhere else on Earth. However, its claim to fame comes with a serious responsibility: it’s classified as vulnerable with a Global Conservation Status of S3, indicating that it’s at risk due to its very limited range and small population numbers.
Where Does It Grow?
As its name suggests, Nine Mile Canyon phacelia is found exclusively in California. Its distribution is extremely limited, with typically only 21 to 100 known occurrences and somewhere between 3,000 to 10,000 individual plants in the wild.
Should You Plant It in Your Garden?
Here’s where things get interesting – and important. While Nine Mile Canyon phacelia would make a fascinating addition to any native plant garden, its vulnerable status means you need to be extra careful about sourcing.
The Conservation Consideration
If you’re determined to grow this rare beauty, here are the golden rules:
- Only purchase from reputable nurseries that can guarantee responsibly sourced, nursery-propagated plants
- Never collect seeds or plants from wild populations
- Consider growing it as part of a conservation effort rather than just for garden aesthetics
- Connect with local botanical gardens or conservation groups who might have ethical propagation programs
Garden Potential
As an annual forb, Nine Mile Canyon phacelia would likely fit well into wildflower gardens, native plant collections, or specialized conservation plantings. Like other Phacelia species, it probably produces attractive flowers that would appeal to native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators – though specific wildlife benefits for this particular species aren’t well documented.
Growing Considerations
Unfortunately, detailed growing information for this rare species is limited. As a California native annual, it likely prefers:
- Well-draining soil conditions
- Minimal summer water once established
- Full sun to partial shade
- Mediterranean climate conditions
Since it’s an annual, you’d need to allow it to self-seed or collect and replant seeds each year to maintain it in your garden.
The Bottom Line
Nine Mile Canyon phacelia represents both an opportunity and a responsibility. While it could be a unique addition to a native plant garden, its vulnerable status means that any cultivation should be approached with conservation in mind. If you can’t source it ethically, consider supporting conservation efforts for this species instead, or explore other California native Phacelia species that are more common and readily available.
Sometimes the most valuable plants are the ones we admire from afar while working to protect their wild homes. Nine Mile Canyon phacelia might just be one of those special cases where our appreciation is best expressed through conservation rather than cultivation.
