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Phlox paniculata (Fall phlox)
Wasowski, Sally and Andy

Phlox paniculata L.

Fall phlox, Perennial phlox

Polemoniaceae (Phlox Family)

USDA Symbol: phpa9

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Fall phlox is a showy clump-former, reaching a height of 3-4 ft. The pink, lavender, or rarely white flowers are borne in a 4-8 in. wide, terminal cluster. A pyramidal cluster of white to pink or lavender flowers atop a stout, smooth, erect stem. The stem’s narrow, oval leaves are 4-7 in. long.

If found in the wilds beyond its natural range, this species has probably escaped from cultivation. The plant has been widely used as a medicinal herb; the leaf extract is used as a laxative and for treating boils. Many color forms are found in gardens. The very similar Large-leaved Phlox (P. amplifolia) has a hairy stem, only 6-15 leaf pairs below the flower cluster, and a hairless corolla tube; it is found in the southern Appalachian Mountains.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Fruit:
Size Class: 3-6 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Pink , Purple
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , NE , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , TN , UT , VA , VT , WA , WI , WV
Native Distribution: C. NY to MO & KS, s. to NC, TN & LA; an escape elsewhere
Native Habitat: Rich, open woods; thickets; meadows; moist roadsides
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(I)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Organic, Loam
Conditions Comments: Plants of this species have furnished the stock for many horticultural varieties. The plant need at least 6 hrs. of sun per day. Powdery mildew is a frequent problem.

Propagation

Description: Increase by stem or root cuttings, division or seed.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes

From the National Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery - Orefield, PA
Amandas Garden - Springwater, NY
Sunshine Farm & Gardens - Renick, WV
American Native Nursery - Quakertown, PA

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Texas Discovery Gardens - Dallas, TX
United States Botanic Garden - Washington, DC

Bibliography

Bibref 996 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (1994) Wasowski, Sally and Andy Wasowski
Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.

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Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Phlox paniculata in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Phlox paniculata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Phlox paniculata

Metadata

Record Modified: 2010-05-06
Research By: TWC Staff

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