Identification
This native, erect, perennial grows from 1 to 2 feet tall. Stems are covered with soft white hairs (D). Opposite, stalkless, narrow leaves with pointed tips are up to 4 inches long (C). From 12-50 individual flowers form a showy, rounded cluster (panicle) at the tip of the stem or branches (A). The narrow, tubular flower flares outward at the tip into 5 petal-like lobes 3/4 inch across (B). They are typically deep pink with a darker magenta spot at the base, but color varies widely from white to lavender. The fruit is a small capsule seldom seen intact; “exploding” as it matures and dries, thereby dispersing the seeds.
Grows in dry to moist, well-drained prairies and woodland openings, flowering from May through July. At Neale Woods it is rare. Only a few plants have been found in the Knull Prairie restoration.
A plant less than 2 feet tall with pink tubular flowers in an open, sunny location is most likely Prairie Phlox. Fall Phlox (Phlox paniculata) also has pink flowers but it is a more robust plant 3-8 feet tall, which prefers shadier sites and flowers later. Timber Phlox (Phlox divaricata), a woodland species, has blue flowers. Dame’s Rocket (Hesperis matronalis) has similar tubular flowers, but they have only 4 petals. Also, its leaves are alternate while those of our Phlox species are opposite.
Phlox is derived from the Greek meaning “flame,” likely a reference to its bright colors. Dense, soft white hairs on the stems are responsible for its alternate common name, Downy or Hairy Phlox and the species name of pilosa.
Several garden varieties are derived from our native species.
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