Originally listed under the Waterleaf Family (Hydrophyllaceae) but now subsumed into the Boraginaceae which itself is under an un-ranked phylogenetic ORDER.

Some similarities to : Ferns and to Mints.

Uniquely identifiable characteristics

Distinguishing Feature : The mauve, Mint-like flowers with long projecting anthers all on the outer side of an arched stalk.

No relation to : Tansy [a plant with similar name].

It is increasingly to be found in some wild-flower seed mixtures. The sharply pointed rough husks and fibres of the sepals can cause itching and dermatitis in some people, particularly if it gets within shoes and socks.

Three other Phacelias have not been seen in the UK since 1969, and perhaps as far back as the 1930's. In America, the plant is called Scorpion Weed on account of the scorpion-like tail that the flowers adopt, and perhaps because they also have a sting in their tail: the sharp sepals can be rough on the skin.

PRENYLATED QUINONES Tansy Leaved Phacelia contains several prenylated quinones / hydroquinones which have lipophilic side chains such as geranyl-, farnesyl-, or geranylgeranyl- (benzoquinone). Geranyl-benzoquinone is one such. With their long aliphatic side chains, these compounds have similar toxic properties as do the Urushiols in Rhus Toxicodendron (Poison Oak) with regard to being a contact allergen. Geranylbenzoquinone can alkylate proteins making them allergenic. The above is just one example of the same series but with hydroquinone as the base. Compare these aliphatic side-chained benzoquinones with Irisquinone in Yellow Iris.

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