Please ID this wildflower for me

[The Woodman]

Blame the digression on me, I can't help myself!

[Dorts]

Originally Posted by The Woodman

Blame the digression on me, I can't help myself!

'Off thread' is good occasionally, it's what makes WAB the wonderfull place it is.
Dorts.

[alindsay]

Agreed!!

[Hedera]

I remember this plant being introduced for its nectar producing by beekeepers. I think it came from South America in the early 1970's. My father planted some, as well as Bokhara clover (mellilot) for the bees.

[Dorts]

Originally Posted by Hedera

I remember this plant being introduced for its nectar producing by beekeepers. I think it came from South America in the early 1970's. My father planted some, as well as Bokhara clover (mellilot) for the bees.

I also remember a friend of mine in the early 80's asking me to look at some 'strange' plant that had appeared all over his garden. I didn't have a clue what it was at the time, but Francis Rose recognised it as Phacelia, which was the first record for VC12!
Dorts.

[jeremiah]

It is an excellent bee plant, and is also sown as a green manure. If anybody wants to sow some for bees, it is a lot cheaper to get a large packet meant for "green manure" than the tiny pinch of seeds you get when you buy it as a garden flower.

[Hawk Roosting]

Phacelia is also planted as part of IPM to attract hoverflies which will act as a biological control for aphids.

[Ladywell]

I think that I am correct in saying that Phacelia is grown as a green manure?

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Ladywell

I think that I am correct in saying that Phacelia is grown as a green manure?

You are + this has been mentioned by a previous poster.

[Ladywell]

Oops! That will teach me to read the thread properly in future . Forgot to add that, round here, they plant a mixture containing Phalecia and Quinoa (which I think comes from Peru?) as pheasant cover. Bees, hoverflies, butterflies and birds (esp finches) love it!!