Prairie Phlox  (Downy Phlox)

Phlox pilosa

An attractive plant, this phlox has fuzzy or hairy stems, which are  topped by panicles of several pink-purplish blossoms about 1/2 inch across.  Each blossom has five broad petals that are rounded or bluntly wedge-shaped at the tip; the petals adjoin a narrow calyx tube, which completely conceals the stamens.  It blooms somewhat earlier than the similar Smooth Phlox.

2 feet, sun - partial sun.

Spring-Early Summer (May-June).

  The hairy or downy stems and narrow, untoothed, pointed leaves clasping the stem are clear in this photo.

19 May 2021.

Prairie Phlox (Downy Phlox), 19 May 2021.