Downy Phlox (Phlox pilosa)


 



































Photo by Leticia Provencio

     Downy phlox is a native, perennial wildflower.  It grows six to 24 inches tall. The flowers grow in rounded three-inch clusters at the top of the stems.  Each flower has five petals that are pale pink, lavender, or purple. The flowers are 1/2 to 3/4 inch wide. The stems are upright and sometimes branched near the top. Leaves and stems are hairy and the plant is sticky. The leaves can be up to three inches long and 1/2 inch wide. It is found in prairies and open woodlands.(EW)