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The Stinging phacelia (Phacelia malvifolia) belongs to Hydrophyllaceae (the Waterleaf family). It is an annual herb that is distributed in the western part of the United States, from Oregon to California. It grows in forests and shrublands along the coast and is about 90 cm tall. The stem is erect and branched, covered with stiff yellowish glandular hairs. Leaves are usually divided in 3-lobes and covered with coarse hairs. From April to June, small white flowers bloom in scorpioid inflorescences at the ends of the branches. The flowers are inconspicuous, but they are a valuable nectar source for wasps, flies, bees, and ants, as well as honeybees.
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