This native, erect, perennial grows from 1 to 2 feet tall. Opposite, stalkless, narrow leaves with pointed tips are up to 4 inches long with soft hairs, especially along the margins and midrib (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 are present along Tallgrass Prairie Trail in Knull Prairie.
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.
Phlox is derived from the Greek meaning “flame,” likely a reference to its bright colors. Several garden varieties are derived from our native species. Prairie Phlox is also known as Downy or Hairy Phlox.
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