How to identify Downy phlox (Phlox pilosa)

How to identify Downy phlox (Phlox pilosa)

Downy phlox, also known as Prairie phlox, Rough phlox

Downy phlox is a herbaceous perennial adorned with clusters of vibrant, five-petalled flowers arranged in a panicle shape. Each blossom exhibits a notable pink to lavender hue and measures roughly 1 inch (2.5 cm) across. The foliage is lanceolate to ovate, exuding a lush green color, and the plant typically stands about 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) tall. Its most distinguishing feature is the soft white hairs covering the stems and leaves, providing a downy texture. These fine hairs also extend to the exterior of the corolla tubes, giving downy phlox a unique, tactile quality.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Downy phlox

Soft white hairs cover stems, leaves, and corolla tubes, giving a downy texture.

Fragrant flowers in clusters with pink to pale purple hues, featuring long corolla tubes.

Oval seed capsule about 1/8 inch across splits into three sections for explosive seed release.

Opposite, widely-spaced, sharp-pointed leaves with prominent central veins, varying in length and shape.

Clusters of vibrant, five-petalled flowers in panicle shape with pink to lavender hues.

Detailed Traits of Downy phlox

Leaf Features

The leaves of downy phlox are opposite, widely-spaced, and sharp-pointed. They are stalkless and deep green, with prominent central veins. The lower leaves are linear, measuring approximately 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in length, while the upper leaves are lanceolate, often finely pubescent, and can reach up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) in length. These features make the leaves distinctive and essential for identification.

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Flower Features

Each fragrant, tubular flower of downy phlox, ranging from pink to pale purple, measures up to 3/4 inches (2 cm) in diameter. The flowers feature a long corolla tube and five flat lobes, often covered with soft white hairs. They form loosely packed clusters in rounded terminal cymes. Downy phlox blooms from May to July, with occasional reblooming in the fall.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of downy phlox takes the form of a papery, oval seed capsule, measuring about 1/8 inch across. Upon reaching maturity, the capsule is designed to break into three distinct sections. In an evolutionary adaptation for seed dispersal, these sections will respond to dryness by splitting open, which facilitates an explosive release of the seeds contained within. The precise mechanism ensures effective distribution, enhancing the plant's opportunity for propagation. The texture, shape, and dehiscence behavior are notable characteristics that aid in the fruit's identification.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Downy phlox and Their Similar Plants

Garden phlox vs. Downy 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. Downy 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. Downy 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. Downy 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.

Wild sweetwilliam vs. Downy 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.

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

Smooth phlox (*Phlox glaberrima*) is an upright, clump-forming, lipomatous perennial plant species. Smooth phlox grows in moist meadows, low woods, and along riverbanks. This species attracts butterflies, moths, and bees.

Creeping phlox vs. Downy 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. Downy 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 Downy phlox

Attributes of Downy phlox

Spread

30 cm to 45 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Blue

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

Pink

White

Purple

Lavender

Fruit Color

Green

Black

Stem Color

Green

Leaf type

Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Downy phlox

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

Downy phlox (Phlox pilosa)

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Distribution Map of Downy phlox

Downy phlox is indigenous to temperate regions of North America, where it thrives in a variety of habitats. The plant has been successfully introduced and cultivated in several areas outside its native range, adapting to similar climates and environments.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

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