Loose clusters of fragrant, pink to purple flowers in late spring. Good source of nectar for butterflies. Spread slowly by underground stems to form large colonies.Ecological Benefits: Nectar for skippers, which pollinate this plant, and other pollinators.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Downy Phlox
Phlox pilosa ssp. ozarkana
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennials
Native Environment: Glade, Prairie, Savanna / Woodland
Season of Interest: Early (Feb - Apr)
Main Color: Pink / Rose
Fall Color:
USDA PLANTS Range Map
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
Dry
Nature Attracting
Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Host, Butterfly / Moth Nectar
Animal
Resistance
Size
Height:
12 to
18
inches
Spread:
12 to
16
inches
Size
Height: 12 to
18
inches
Spread: 12 to
16
inches
Size
Height: 12 to
18
inches
Spread: 12 to
16
inches
Typical Landscape Use
Plant in the perennial border, native garden, butterfly garden. Naturalize in dry prairie or glade-like habitats, also sunny to partly shaded well drained beds.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Full sun to part shade with dry soil moisture. Plants annual or short-lived perennial. Requires dry or rocky, well-drained soils.
Special Features
Special Usage
Fragrant, Salt Tolerant
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.