Vick, Albert F. W.
Phlox divaricata L.
Wild blue phlox, Louisiana phlox, Blue woodland phlox, Sweet william, Wild sweet william
Polemoniaceae (Phlox Family)
The
decumbent stem of wild blue phlox roots at the nodes sending up erect branches 8-18 in. Loose, flat clusters of fragrant, lavender or pink flowers with notched petals occur at the top of these stems. The leaves on
decumbent stems are broader than those on flowering stems. A loose cluster of slightly fragrant, light blue flowers tops a somewhat sticky
stem that produces leafy, creeping shoots at the base.
This beautiful species is most common in midwestern woods and fields. It is sometimes known as Wild Sweet William, a name also given to
P. maculata. The mature plants in the eastern part of the range have notched petals; those in the western do not. The basal runners of the lovely Creeping Phlox (
P. stolonifera) form large patches; it has fewer
stem leaves and fewer flowers in its clusters; it occurs from Pennsylvania and Ohio south to northern Georgia.
Image Gallery:
14 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Herb Leaf Retention: Evergreen Size Notes: 8 to 18 inches
Leaf: Green
Flower: Flowers up to 1 inch across
Fruit: Size Class: 0-1 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Red , Pink , Purple
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May
Bloom Notes: Normally blue, lavender, or white.
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DE , FL , GA , IL , IN , IA , KS , KY , LA , MD , MI , MN , MS , MO , NE , NJ , NY , NC , OH , OK , PA , SC , SD , TN , TX , VT , VA , WV , WI , DC
Canada: ON ,
QC Native Distribution: S.w. Que. to MI, s. to NC & AL
Native Habitat: Moist, rich,
deciduous woods and bluffs
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Alkaline (pH>7.2) , Acidic (pH<6.8)
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Rich, moist, acid soils, but also found in calcareous areas. Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Showy, attractive, colorful blooms for the
perennial garden.
Use Wildlife: Flowers attract butterflies, including swallowtails, gray hairstreaks, and western pygmy blues. Roots consumed by rabbits and voles.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Butterflies
Nectar Source: yes
2012-10-03
