Downy Phlox
(Phlox pilosa)
Downy Phlox (Phlox pilosa)
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Annika Lindqvist
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Annika Lindqvist
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Annika Lindqvist | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Annika Lindqvist | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-04-25T13:58:08-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Phlox pilosa, commonly known as Downy Phlox, is a deciduous perennial herb native to prairie grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands in the Central and Eastern USA, as well as parts of Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 6–24 inches (15–61 cm). The plant features delicate flowers with five lobes that are pale pink, lavender, or purple, each measuring 1⁄2–3⁄4 inches (13–19 mm) across, blooming from April to June. The flowers are highly attractive to pollinators, with a corolla tube that produces pollen on anthers near the end and nectar at the bottom, accessible only to long-tongued pollinators such as butterflies, moths, skippers, and the largest bumblebees. Downy Phlox is also a larval host for the phlox moth (Schinia indiana), contributing to local biodiversity.
Downy Phlox is valued for its showy flowers and ability to attract beneficial pollinators. It is used in native plant gardens, borders, and as ground cover. This species is relatively easy to maintain, requiring full sun and medium water levels, and thrives in well-drained soils. While it is not typically prone to serious diseases or pests, powdery mildew can sometimes be a problem in humid conditions. Downy Phlox is not known for aggressive roots or invasiveness, making it a good choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance plant with ecological benefits.CC BY-SA 4.0
Downy Phlox is valued for its showy flowers and ability to attract beneficial pollinators. It is used in native plant gardens, borders, and as ground cover. This species is relatively easy to maintain, requiring full sun and medium water levels, and thrives in well-drained soils. While it is not typically prone to serious diseases or pests, powdery mildew can sometimes be a problem in humid conditions. Downy Phlox is not known for aggressive roots or invasiveness, making it a good choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance plant with ecological benefits.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-1.5 feet
- Width: 1-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink, Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to prairie grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands
Other Names
Common Names: Prairie Phlox , Phlox Pubescent
Scientific Names: Phlox pilosa , Penstemon pauciflorus , Phlox pilosa f. albiflora , Phlox pilosa f. pilosa , Phlox pilosa var. hoffmannii , Phlox pilosa var. pubiflora , Phlox pilosa var. typica
GBIF Accepted Name: Phlox pilosa L.