Susie White said Phacelia tanacetifolia is the most useful plant for sowing into bare soil in her garden in Allendale, Northumberland [1].
The plant serves as a critical tool for both soil restoration and biodiversity. By acting as a cover crop, it prevents soil erosion while providing essential nutrients for a wide array of pollinating insects.
White said she always keeps a ready packet of the seeds to ensure bare patches of earth are covered. This practice improves overall soil health and creates a sanctuary for wildlife in the U.S. [1].
The plant is particularly valued for its ability to attract diverse insect species. White said that hoverflies, honeybees, parasitic wasps, solitary bees, and bumblebees are present in abundance when she is among the plants [1].
The physical characteristics of the plant contribute to its effectiveness as a pollinator magnet. The flowers feature five petals [1] that flare open at the tips. These blooms are cupped by bristly sepals, which White said draw insects to the abundant nectar and blue pollen [1].
By integrating such cover crops into gardening and agricultural practices, land managers can support the local ecosystem. The ability of Phacelia to provide high-quality forage for multiple types of bees and wasps makes it a strategic choice for those looking to increase insect populations in their immediate environment [1].
“I always have a ready packet of Phacelia tanacetifolia and use it for sowing into bare soil.”
The use of Phacelia tanacetifolia illustrates a growing trend toward 'functional gardening,' where plants are selected not for aesthetics, but for their ecological services. By combining soil stabilization with the support of diverse pollinators—including parasitic wasps and solitary bees—this approach addresses two environmental challenges simultaneously: soil degradation and the decline of pollinator populations.
