Shade Phacelia (Phacelia nemoralis) is endemic to the Pacific Northwest and primarily found in shaded areas of thickets and woodlands from British Columbia into northern California. This perennial plant typically thrives at low elevations in fairly dry or damp environments, as long as they are shady. Shade Phacelia exhibits a robust rosette with rugose, deeply-veined leaves, and produces elongated, open inflorescences that are densely bristled. The small cream-colored flowers bloom along the “fiddlehead”-shaped stems as they unfurl through the blooming season.
 
Shade Phacelia blooms during late spring to early summer. Bumblebees are especially fond of its nectar-rich blossoms and a flower arrangement that allows easy nectar and pollen collection, making it an ideal addition to shady woodland gardens otherwise lacking in pollinator forage. During the height of bloom, they can be observed regularly returning to check for newly opened blossoms. The seeds of Shade Phacelia also provide food for some bird species, while the robust rosettes provide cover for birds, small mammals, and amphibians. 
 
Plants prefer well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils as long as they are not excessively saturated. Seeds can be surface sown on prepared soil in fall or late winter and lightly covered with a thin layer of fine soil or sand. Soil must be kept evenly moist and seedlings should be protected from full sun until plants are fully mature.