How to identify Smooth phlox (Phlox glaberrima)

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How to identify Smooth phlox (Phlox glaberrima)

Smooth phlox features an impressive display of rose to purplish flowers grouped in tall, showy panicles that emerge in spring. Reaching heights of up to 2-3 feet (60-90 cm), its blooms stand out above the deep green, lanceolate leaves. This perennial is characterized by its glabrous, or smooth, foliage and stems. The plant forms clumps and derives energy from an underlying network of rhizomes, which also contribute to its ability to spread and form colonies.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Semi-evergreen

Quickly Identify Smooth phlox

Tall blooms in rose to purplish hues reaching 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) in spring.

Glabrous, lanceolate leaves with a prominent central vein and shiny, deep green color.

1-inch (2.5 cm) flowers with 5 flat, rounded petals emit a delicate fragrance.

Fruit is a narrow seed capsule holding tiny seeds, present from June to July.

Leaves arranged in 10-20 opposite pairs, thick, hairless, with pointed tips and rounded base.

Detailed Traits of Smooth phlox

Leaf Features

The leaves of smooth phlox are deep green, thick, and glossy. They feature bluntly pointed tips and a rounded base, with a prominent central vein. The leaves are very thin, hairless, and arranged in 10-20 opposite pairs along the stems. The lower leaves are either sessile or clasp the stem, while the upper leaves are sessile. This distinctive arrangement and the combination of their shiny, deep green color and prominent central vein are key identifying features.

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Flower Features

The blooms of smooth phlox are 1 inch (2.5 cm) across, each featuring 5 flat, rounded petals. The lower part of the corolla merges into a slender tube. Stamens are conspicuous at the corolla’s mouth. These flowers exude a soft hue, varying from light pink to purple. They emit a delicate, pleasant fragrance. The blooming period spans 6-8 weeks, occurring from late spring through summer, adding a long-lasting splash of color to the landscape.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of smooth phlox is a narrow seed capsule measuring around 0.1 inches (3 mm) in diameter. These capsules hold numerous tiny seeds and typically appear from June to July. The capsules split open when mature, aiding in seed dispersal. Their smooth texture and elongated shape are distinguishing features, making them identifiable among similar plants.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Smooth phlox and Their Similar Plants

Garden phlox vs. Smooth phlox: What's The Difference?

The garden phlox is a flowering plant that is native to the United States. The name, phlox, comes from the Latin for "flame," reflecting its bright colors. Garden phlox flowers can become important food sources for insects and hummingbirds.

Creeping phlox vs. Smooth phlox: What's The Difference?

Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) is a flowering plant native to the United States. The Latin name Phlox subulata means needle-shaped, which describes its leaves. Creeping phlox is sometimes confused with marijuana due to its similar smell.

Annual phlox vs. Smooth phlox: What's The Difference?

Annual phlox (Phlox drummondii) is a flowering plant native to the United States. Thomas Drummond the historical naturalist sent the seeds back to Britain after a trip to Texas, and the plant is named after him. Annual phlox is a popular ornamental plant due to its bright pink flowers, which can be other colors from other cultivars.

Wild blue phlox vs. Smooth phlox: What's The Difference?

Wild blue phlox (Phlox divaricata) also goes by the names of woodland phlox or Louisiana phlox, and it’s indigenous to eastern North America. The flowers sit atop hairy, sticky stems. In the wild, it loves to grow along stream banks. “Phlox” is Greek for “flame” because some flowers of this species have intensely vibrant colors.

Downy phlox vs. Smooth phlox: What's The Difference?

Downy phlox is a species of phlox that natives to eastern North America. This hairy plant gives pretty pink to purplish flowers in the late spring to early summer and does well in gardens with sandy soil.

Wild sweetwilliam vs. Smooth phlox: What's The Difference?

Wild sweetwilliam (Phlox maculata) exists in various parts of North America, but is only rarely encountered in the wild. Its Latin name includes “maculata,” which is derived from the Latin word for “spotted” in reference to its speckled purple stems. It's also called speckled phlox or spotted phlox.

Creeping phlox vs. Smooth phlox: What's The Difference?

Known for attracting wildlife such as small mammals and hummingbirds, creeping phlox is a useful groundcover for shade and woodland gardens with its mat-forming habit providing excellent cover for early spring bulbs. Creeping phlox has been used in traditional medicine but nowadays is mostly valued as an easy-to-maintain eye-catching perennial.

Garden phlox 'David' vs. Smooth phlox: What's The Difference?

Garden phlox 'David' is a cultivar of the Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata), selected for the color of its flowers. Unlike the flowers of the parent plant which are rarely white in nature, this cultivar has pure white flowers, arranged in attractive panicles. It is also noted for its extreme resistance to powdery mildew.

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Key Facts About Smooth phlox

Attributes of Smooth phlox

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

61 cm to 1.2 m

Spread

60 cm to 75 cm

Flower Color

Pink

Purple

Leaf type

Semi-evergreen

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Scientific Classification of Smooth phlox

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

Smooth phlox (Phlox glaberrima)

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Distribution Map of Smooth phlox

Smooth phlox, a species of phlox, is native to forests and grasslands in the temperate regions of the Eastern North American continent. Its growing presence has additionally been marked by cultivation in various non-native regions, signifying smooth phlox's extended range where the climate allows.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Smooth phlox

A Comprehensive Guide to Smooth phlox How to Grow and Care for Smooth phlox