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Downy Phlox (Phlox pilosa)

Description

Phlox pilosa (downy phlox or prairie phlox) is an herbaceous plant in the family Polemoniaceae. It is native to eastern North America, where it is found in open areas such as prairies and woodlands. Downy phlox is a perennial that grows 6-24 in (15-61 cm) high. The stems are upright and sometimes branched near the top. Leaves, stems, and sepals are covered with hairs and the plant is sticky to the touch. Leaves are long and narrow and have pointed tips; they can be up to 3 in (8 cm) long and 1-8-1-2 in (3-13 mm) wide. The flowers grow in rounded clusters up to 3 in (8 cm) at the top of stems. The flower stems have opposite leaves. Each flower has five lobes (petals) that are pale pink, lavender, or purple, and is 1-2-3-4 in (13-19 mm) across.

Taxonomic tree

  • Domain: Eukarya

    • Kingdom: Plantae

      • Phylum: Magnoliophyta

        • Class: Magnoliopsida

          • Order: Ericales

            • Family: Polemoniaceae

              • Genus: Phlox