prairie phlox
ExplorePlants
prairie phlox
Phlox pilosa
Prairie phlox is a beautiful flower that blooms in shades of pink and purple. It loves sunny places and attracts butterflies and bees, making gardens colorful and lively.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The prairie phlox has clusters of star-shaped flowers, usually bright pink, purple, or white. Its fuzzy, narrow leaves grow opposite on hairy stems. Unlike garden phlox, it often appears more delicate and sparse in its native prairie habitat.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderEricalesFamilyPolemoniaceaeGenusPhlox
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its scientific name "Phlox" comes from Greek, meaning "flame," for its bright colors!
Many types of phlox exist, but this one especially loves sunny, wide-open grasslands!
Some moths visit its flowers at night, drawn by its subtle, sweet fragrance!
These beautiful flowers often grow in huge, colorful patches across open prairies!
Special abilities
Ability
Nectar Beacon
Prairie phlox uses sweet nectar and bright petals to guide long-tongued insects, ensuring its seeds are spread widely.
Ability
Drought Survivor
Prairie phlox has deep roots that help it find water, allowing it to survive dry periods in its sunny, open grassland home.
Ability
Fuzzy Defense
Its fuzzy stems and leaves may deter some hungry herbivores, making it less appealing for a quick snack.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-60 cm
- Spread
- 30-45 cm
- Flower Size
- 1-2 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late Spring to Mid-Summer
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
Papilio glaucus
Visits for nectar and pollen
pollinates
Common Eastern Bumblebee
Bombus impatiens
A frequent visitor for nectar
eaten by
Gorgone Checkerspot
Chlosyne gorgone
Larvae feed on leaves
Traits
Aromatic
Aromatic plants produce and emit fragrant volatile organic compounds, often for defense or to attract pollinators.
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Spring Blooming
Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.
Summer Blooming
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't pick flowers, so everyone can enjoy them!
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is prairie phlox?
30-60 cm
How wide does prairie phlox spread?
30-45 cm
How big are the flowers on prairie phlox?
1-2 cm
When does prairie phlox bloom?
Late Spring to Mid-Summer
Is prairie phlox edible?
No
Is prairie phlox toxic?
None
What is prairie phlox's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is prairie phlox pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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