Unknown wild plant/flower

[pekster]

We found a few of these on the wild field edges around us last night. Stands around 18"-24" tall and some had more flower heads on than others. The individual flowers are around 6-10mm across.

[JoanE007]

I've got that growing in a couple of pots in my garden, I have no idea what it is but would love to know too, so am watching with interest. I grew it from a mixed pack of seeds which were to attract insects to the garden.

The buds start out as round "pompoms" then seem to "split" into separate sections which the curl round and then flower like those in pekster's picture.

[Dorts]

It's Phacelia tanacetifolia, sometimes called Tansy-leaved Phacelia or Scorpion Weed. Now though it's just called Phacelia.

It's not a native and comes from America and has been used as a 'green-manure' and as a plant for Bees for honey.
Dorts.

[pekster]

I can confirm the pom pom like buds as I have a couple of other pics with some of the flowers not yet out. I will have to return in the next couple of days and get some pics with the macro lens.

[pekster]

Many thanks for the speedy and accurate reply Dorts We will be off to see if we can get some seeds for the garden pots too now

Richard