Spiny Phlox
ExplorePlants
Spiny Phlox
phlox hoodii
The Spiny Phlox is a beautiful flowering plant that loves to grow in rocky places! Its colorful blooms attract butterflies and other friendly insects.
Habitat: Spiny Phlox lives in dry, rocky areas, often found in sandy soils and open grasslands.
Appearance
The Spiny Phlox is a low-growing, mat-forming plant with stiff, needle-like leaves, often tipped with a tiny spine. It produces clusters of small, five-petaled flowers, typically in shades of white, pink, lavender, or light blue, creating a vibrant cushion of color.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderEricalesFamilyPolemoniaceaeGenusPhlox
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its scientific name, 'hoodii', honors a brave explorer of North America.
Many small insects find shelter from predators by hiding within its dense, cushiony growth.
Spiny Phlox often blooms in cool mountain areas right after the snow melts!
This tiny plant can create a huge, colorful carpet across vast landscapes!
Special abilities
Ability
Spiny Shield
Spiny Phlox has stiff, needle-like leaves that help it deter hungry animals and reduce water loss in dry places.
Ability
Cushion Crafter
Spiny Phlox can grow in dense, mat-like cushions that help trap moisture and protect its roots from harsh winds.
Ability
Drought Defender
Spiny Phlox has deep roots and small, tough leaves that help it survive in very dry, rocky environments.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 5-15 cm
- Spread
- 30-60 cm
- Flower Size
- 1-2 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring to early Summer (April-July)
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Two-Form Bumblebee
Bombus bifarius
Visits flowers for nectar and pollen.
pollinates
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Green-veined White
Pieris napi
Butterfly drinks nectar from blossoms.
eaten by
Mule Deer
Odocoileus hemionus
Grazes on young shoots and flowers.
eaten by
Montane Vole
Microtus montanus
Feeds on leaves and stems.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
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.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Hood's PhloxRock Phlox
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Spiny Phlox?
5-15 cm
How wide does Spiny Phlox spread?
30-60 cm
How big are the flowers on Spiny Phlox?
1-2 cm
When does Spiny Phlox bloom?
Spring to early Summer (April-July)
Is Spiny Phlox edible?
No
Is Spiny Phlox toxic?
None
What is Spiny Phlox's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Spiny Phlox pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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