Native Plant Database

Header Photo: Mervin Wallace

Downy Phlox

Phlox pilosa
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennials
Native Environment: Prairie, Savanna / Woodland
Season of Interest: Early (Feb - Apr)
Main Color: Pink / Rose
Fall Color:

USDA PLANTS Range Map

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Downy phlox
Photo: Courtesy of MDC
Sun Exposure 
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
Dry
Nature Attracting
Butterfly, Pollinators/Beneficial Insects
Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Host, Butterfly / Moth Nectar, Food/Pollinators, Food/Small Animals
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
Naturalize in dry prairie or glade-like habitats, also sunny, well-drained beds.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Avoid crowding from larger species.
Special Features
Special Usage
Salt Tolerant
Basic Description

This short, long-blooming phlox packs many pink flowers above its diminutive stems and foliage in late spring. Host plant for larvae of multiple moth species.

Where Should I Start?

Check out the Grow Native! Committee’s Top Ten picks of native plants for a particular purpose.

What’s the Next Step?

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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.

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