Caterpillar Scorpionweed
ExplorePlants
Caterpillar Scorpionweed
phacelia cicutaria
Caterpillar Scorpionweed is an annual herb native to the dry, rocky slopes and chaparral of California, Nevada, and Baja California. Belonging to the borage family, this resilient wildflower is known for its dramatic coiled inflorescences that gradually unfurl as they bloom, presenting a striking visual in spring. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, it plays a critical ecological role as an early-successional species, often blanketing landscapes recently cleared by wildfires. It provides vital nectar for native bees and other pollinators during the spring bloom. However, hikers should admire this plant from a distance, as it is covered in glandular hairs that exude an irritating oil capable of causing severe contact dermatitis.
Habitat: Typically found on dry, rocky or gravelly slopes, in chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and open oak woodlands.
Appearance
This erect annual herb typically grows between 10 and 100 cm tall, featuring highly divided, fern-like leaves that resemble wild celery. Its most distinguishing feature is the scorpioid cymes—coiled flower clusters that look remarkably like fuzzy caterpillars or scorpions' tails. The small, bell-shaped flowers range in color from yellowish-white to pale lavender or blue, each showcasing long, prominent stamens that protrude far past the petals. The entire plant, including the stems and leaves, is densely covered in stiff, sticky, glandular hairs.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderBoraginalesFamilyBoraginaceaeGenusPhacelia
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its seeds are highly fire-tolerant, allowing the species to quickly dominate and stabilize slopes after a wildfire has cleared other vegetation.
The common name 'Scorpionweed' refers to the curled flower head's striking resemblance to the curled tail of a scorpion.
The skin reaction caused by touching this plant is so similar to poison oak that it is frequently misidentified by hikers experiencing the rash.
Special abilities
Ability
Scorpioid Unfurling
The flower clusters are tightly coiled and slowly unfurl over time, ensuring a prolonged blooming period that maximizes pollination opportunities.
Ability
Chemical Deterrent
Glandular hairs secrete sticky, irritating oils containing compounds that deter herbivores and can cause allergic contact dermatitis in humans.
Ability
Fire-Responsive Germination
Its seeds possess a tough outer coat that can remain dormant in the soil for years, germinating rapidly in response to the heat and ash of wildfires.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 10+ cm
- Lifespan
- 1+ years
Diet & Feeding
As a photoautotroph, Caterpillar Scorpionweed produces its own organic compounds using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water through photosynthesis.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Carbon dioxide
- Water
- Soil minerals
Foraging Method
- Photosynthesis
Ecological connections
mutualism
Yellow-faced Bumblebee
Bombus vosnesenskii
Pollinates the flowers while foraging for nectar and pollen.
mutualism
Western Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Visits flowers during spring blooms to collect nectar.
eaten by
Desert Cottontail
Sylvilagus audubonii
Occasionally browses on young shoots before the irritating glandular hairs fully develop.
Traits
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Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Caterpillar Scorpionweed?
The easiest way to identify Caterpillar Scorpionweed is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Caterpillar Scorpionweed?
10+ cm
How long does Caterpillar Scorpionweed live?
1+ years
What does Caterpillar Scorpionweed eat?
As a photoautotroph, Caterpillar Scorpionweed produces its own organic compounds using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water through photosynthesis.
Where is Caterpillar Scorpionweed usually found?
Typically found on dry, rocky or gravelly slopes, in chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and open oak woodlands.
How does Caterpillar Scorpionweed hunt?
Photosynthesis
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