spreading phlox

Phlox diffusa is a perennial herb subshrub. Its matted to the ground no more than 8 inches tall and its stem is usually prostrate or decumbent to erect. Phlox diffusa has opposite simple pinnate needle like leaves. Flowers are quite showy and range from Lavender to pink in color. Flowers have five petals with a tubular corolla that is fused at the base.

Phlox diffusa prefers dry hillsides such as areas like rocky slopes and terrains such as alpine or sub-alpine or pumice fields.

Based on a study at Chowder ridge fell-view community the flower morphology of Phlox diffusa such as flora color and insect visitors dominated the methods they are pollinated. The study showed that due to early blooming of Phlox diffusa, butterflies and bumblebees visited the flowers less frequently than expected but still are considered major pollinators. Two minor pollinators for Phlox diffusa are Muscoid flies and Syrphid flies which both visited significantly less. Evidence from this study points to Phlox diffusa being an important nectar source for early season queen bumblebees. Phlox diffusa is a perennial plant which blossoms early May through Mid August which then goes dormant in November until next spring.