Page authors: Ben Legler, David Giblin
Phlox caespitosa
clumped phlox, clustered phlox, stiff phlox, tufted phlox
Leaves and calyx (sepals) showing glandular hairs. Leaves are in the foreground, with the calyx in the center-background. Note the fused, whitish-pink corolla tube arising from the calyx.
Specimens
Photos

Distribution: Occurring east of the Cascades crest in Washington; south-central British Columbia to south-central Washington, east to Idaho and Montana.

Habitat: Primarily in and near Ponderosa pine forest.

Flowers: April-June

Origin: Native

Growth Duration: Perennial

Conservation Status: Not of concern

Pollination: Butterflies, moths

Description:
General:

Somewhat erect, somewhat shrubby, taprooted perennial growing to 5-15 cm. in height. Plants are often glandular hairy on their upper portions.

Leaves:

Opposite, firm, narrowly linear, sharp-pointed (pungent), 5-13 mm. long by 0.5 mm. wide. Often with barely visible, short, erect hairs (cilia) along margins towards base of leaves.

Flowers:

Pinkish-white, mostly solitary at the end of the branches, and often borne on short stalks (pedicels). Sometimes attached directly to branch (sessile). Flowers composed of a fused tube 8-14 mm. long, and 5 lobes that are 7-10 mm. long.

Fruits:

Capsule.

Identification Notes:

Calyx lobes thickened, and the membrane between the lobes flat; corolla tube is less than twice as long as the calyx.

Accepted Name:
Phlox caespitosa Nutt.
Publication: J. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia 7(1): 41, pl. 6, f. 1. 1834.

Synonyms & Misapplications:
Phlox caespitosa Nutt. ssp. eucaespitosa Brand
Phlox diffusa Benth. ssp. scleranthifolia (Rydb.) Wherry
Phlox douglasii Hook.
Phlox douglasii Hook. ssp. eudouglasii Brand
Phlox douglasii Hook. ssp. rigida (Benth.) Wherry
Phlox rigida Benth.
Phlox scleranthifolia Rydb.
Additional Resources:

PNW Herbaria: Specimen records of Phlox caespitosa in the Consortium of Pacific Northwest Herbaria database

WA Flora Checklist: Phlox caespitosa checklist entry

OregonFlora: Phlox caespitosa information

E-Flora BC: Phlox caespitosa atlas page

CalPhotos: Phlox caespitosa photos

46 photographs:
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