Taxon Report

Phacelia lyonii Gray

Lyon's phacelia

Print Report


Taxon Summary

Phacelia lyonii, commonly known as Lyon's phacelia, is a annual herb in the Hydrophyllaceae that is found only in California. It occurs within Chaparral, Coastal bluff scrub, Coastal dunes, and Coastal scrub, growing at elevations from 0 to 460 meters. Phacelia lyonii is ranked 1B.2, Plants Rare, Threatened or Endangered in California and Elsewhere; Moderately threatened in California.

  Classification
Scientific Name:
 Phacelia lyonii Gray
Common Name:
 Lyon's phacelia
Family: Hydrophyllaceae
Element Code: PDHYD0C2U0
USDA Plants Symbol: PHLY
Synonyms/Other Names:

Ecology and Life History
Lifeform: annual herb
Blooming Period: Apr-Oct Apr-Oct
Elevation: 0-460 (0-1510)
General Habitats: Chaparral, Coastal bluff scrub, Coastal dunes, Coastal scrub
Microhabitat: Gravelly, Openings, Rocky, Talus
Microhabitat Details:

Conservation Status
CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.2
Global Rank: G2
State Rank:
 S2
State List: None
Fed List: None
Other Status:
CRPR Changes:
  • changed from CBR to 1B.2 on 2021-04-15
  • Considered But Rejected on 2010-03-15

Occurrence Data from the CNDDB
Total Occurrences: 69
Element Occurrence Ranks:
   Excellent (A) 0
   Good (B) 0
   Fair (C) 0
   Poor (D) 0
   None (X) 0
   Unknown (U) 69

Location
California Endemic:  True
California Counties and Islands: Name (Code)
Los Angeles (LAX)
Quads: Name (Quad Code)
San Clemente Island Central (3211874), San Clemente Island South (3211873), Santa Catalina East (3311833), Santa Catalina North (3311844), Santa Catalina South (3311834), Santa Catalina West (3311845)

Threat List Data from the CNDDB

Threat List Total: 0
EOs with Threat Listed: Total EOs % of EOs
0 %

 

Notes
Threats:

Threatened by feral herbivores, overgrazing, and non-native plants. Possibly threatened by military activities. 
Taxonomy:



Selected References

CRPR List Addition on 2021-04-15
Citation California Native Plant Society, Rare Plant Program. 2025. Rare Plant Inventory (online edition, v9.5.1). Website https://www.rareplants.cnps.org [accessed 27 October 2025].