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Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Phlox diffusa
Phlox diffusa Benth.
Mat Phlox, Spreading Phlox
Polemoniaceae (Phlox Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: PHDI3
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
The low, circular woody mats of this phlox sprawl widely and are densely covered by yellow-green, narrow, needle-like, but not spiny, leaves. In flower, this is quite showy with blossoms of white to lavender to purple to pink. The blossoms are small but can be so numerous at times as to completely hide the leaves.
There are four subspecies of this phlox occupying different parts of its range.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Root Type: Tap
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Venation: Pinnate
Leaf: Green
Flower:
Size Class: 0-1 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Pink , PurpleBloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: AZ , CA , CO , ID , MT , NE , NM , NV , OR , SD , UT , WA , WYNative Distribution: CA & w. NV mts., n. to s. B.C. & n.w. MT
Native Habitat: Dry, rocky mt. sites
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Dry, rocky soil.
Conditions Comments: Var. longistylis occurs in the northern part of the stated range; var. diffusa to the south. A good choice for stabilizing soil.
Benefit
Conspicuous Flowers: yesPropagation
Description: Sow stratified seed.Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Stratify.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
Additional resources
USDA: Find Phlox diffusa in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Phlox diffusa in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Phlox diffusa
Metadata
Record Modified: 2007-01-01Research By: TWC Staff