Mountain Phlox
Phlox austromontana
Family: Polemoniaceae
Perennial to a foot high, spreading 2+’ wide. Pale purple-pinkish flowers April through July.
Full to part sun, moderate water, hardy to about 0°F. Larval food plant for several moth species including several species of Euxoa, the Corn Earworm Moth (Helicoverpa zea) and the Darker-spotted Straw Moth (Heliothis phloxiphaga). Nectar used by hummingbirds, butterflies, and several other nectar-feeding insects.
Used medicinally for general body aches, as a cold remedy, given to babies with stomachaches, and for toothaches.
Photo by Sula Vanderplank, iNaturalist
Phlox austromontana on SEINET
There are 72 species of Phlox found mostly in North America (one in Siberia) in diverse habitats from alpine tundra to open woodland and prairie.There are several similarly growing native Phlox species that may show up in the native plant nurseries. Phlox is from the Greek phlox, or flame, while austromontana means of the southern mountains.
Found on rocky slopes and soils from 2,500-9,000 ft. throughout the southwestern United States and Baja California.