Northern Phlox

phlox adsurgens

Northern Phlox, scientifically known as Phlox adsurgens, is a charming evergreen perennial wildflower native to the mountains of western North America. This low-growing, mat-forming plant thrives in the filtered light of coniferous and mixed-evergreen forests, particularly within the Klamath region. With its trailing stems and glossy leaves, it creates a lush ground cover that bursts into a spectacular display of pink and white blossoms during the late spring and early summer months. Can you find a Northern Phlox? Log it and verify its identity with the Snappit app.

Habitat: Found in damp, open coniferous forests, woodland margins, and rocky slopes at mid-to-high elevations.

Appearance

This plant is easily identified by its creeping, trailing stems that can grow up to 30 centimeters in length, covered in glossy, oval-shaped dark green leaves. The striking flowers are five-lobed and measure 1.5 to 2.5 centimeters across. Each petal exhibits a soft pink to rose-salmon hue, beautifully bisected by a distinct, vertical white stripe that gives the bloom a star-like appearance.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderEricalesFamilyPolemoniaceaeGenusPhlox

Northern Phlox

Interesting facts

It has earned the prestigious Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society for its exceptional performance in rock gardens.

The species name 'adsurgens' translates to 'ascending' or 'rising up,' referring to the way its flowering stems elevate themselves from the creeping ground cover.

Unlike many other members of the Phlox genus that demand full sun, this species is highly adapted to deep forest shade.

Special abilities

Utilizes trailing vegetative stolons that root upon contacting the ground, enabling it to rapidly colonize steep, rocky slopes and prevent soil erosion.

Possesses a thick, reflective leaf cuticle that retains moisture, allowing it to withstand dry summer spells beneath dense forest canopies.

Features prominent white central stripes on its pink petals, acting as visual runways that guide pollinators directly to the nectar source.

Measurements & details

Length: 10-30 cm
Lifespan: 3-10 years

Diet & Feeding

As a photosynthetic plant, Northern Phlox manufactures its own food using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water combined with minerals absorbed through its roots.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Water
Carbon dioxide
Soil nutrients

Ecological connections

mutualism

Yellow-faced Bumblebee

Bombus vosnesenskii

Visits the flowers for nectar, performing vital pollination services in the process.

eaten by

Mule Deer

Odocoileus hemionus

Browses on the evergreen foliage and tender shoots, particularly during cold winter months.

Traits

No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Northern Phlox?

The easiest way to identify Northern Phlox is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Northern Phlox?

10-30 cm

How long does Northern Phlox live?

3-10 years

What does Northern Phlox eat?

As a photosynthetic plant, Northern Phlox manufactures its own food using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water combined with minerals absorbed through its roots.

Where is Northern Phlox usually found?

Found in damp, open coniferous forests, woodland margins, and rocky slopes at mid-to-high elevations.