Phacelia purshii aka Miami Mist

Phacelia purshii is a wildflower that lives for one year. It belongs to the borage family, Boraginaceae. Its common names include Miami mist and scorpionweed. It is native to southeastern Canada and the eastern and central United States. It grows at woodland edges, along streams, and in moist meadows. It also grows on disturbed ground. In North Carolina, it grows in the mountains and northwestern Piedmont. The name Miami mist refers to the Miami people, not Florida.

Plants reach 1–2 feet [0.30–0.61 metres] tall. They spread about 0.5–1 foot [0.15–0.30 metres]. They may stand upright or sprawl across the ground. Several green stems branch out. They bear short hairs that lie flat. The green leaves range from oval to oblong. Some have deep lobes. Others are compound, with three to seven leaf parts called pinnae. Leaves grow in turn along the stem, most with pointed tips. They have sparse to moderate hairs. Some have short stalks, while others clasp the stem. Leaves at the base wither as blooms start to open.

Flowers open from spring into summer in groups called cymes. Each group holds 10–30 small blooms shaped like cups. Most blooms are lavender or pale blue and have white centers. Some flowers are white. Each bloom has five lobes with fine fringes along their edges. Hairs cover the calyces, the parts beneath the flowers. The blooms draw pollinators. They are the plant's main point of interest in gardens. Capsules form after the blooms and ripen in summer. Each holds two to four oval, brown seeds. Plants die soon after they bloom and form seeds.

Grow Miami mist in full sun or partial shade. It does best in rich soil that stays moist but drains well. It accepts clay, loam, and sand. Neutral soil also suits it, according to the sources. Wild plants may grow near bogs. In gardens, though, plants need soil that drains well. Grow new plants from seeds. The plant grows at a moderate rate and needs little care. The supplied sources give no range of hardiness zones.

Use this short-lived plant in borders, native gardens, or meadow plantings. It also suits pond edges and stream banks. Groups can form part of a naturalized planting. Its fine texture and fringed blooms add detail when viewed up close. NC State reports no major problems with pests or disease. It reports no other major plant problems, either. The supplied evidence gives no edible uses or findings on toxicity.