Phacelia merits research and experimentation into its suitability as an insectary plant and cover crop in the Eastern United States. This brief summary discusses phacelias use as cover crop, mulch, and cut flower and discusses its attaction to beneficial insects. Germination requirements, management, and seed sources are listed. Report from USDA Small Farm Success Project.

Phacelia tanacetifolia is used extensively as bee forage and cover crop in Europe. This native of the American Southwest is also increasingly being used as an undercrop in vineyards and orchards in California. Phacelia merits research into its suitability as an insectary plant and cover crop in the Eastern United States. A review of the research literature documents its attributes, phenology, and germination requirements as well as its dry matter yield and nitrate-catching ability. Its value to insects - especially honey bees, bumblebees, and syrphid flies is presented and other uses of the plant (cut flower and mulch) discussed. Report from USDA Small Farm Success Project.