Spotted Phlox is a tall native phlox of moist meadows and stream banks in the eastern United States, producing cylindrical clusters of fragrant, rose-pink to lavender flowers on stems 1–3 feet tall. The stems are characteristically spotted or streaked with purple, giving the plant its name. It blooms in midsummer, slightly earlier than Garden Phlox, and is similarly showy. It provides important mid-season nectar for sphinx moths, swallowtails, and hummingbirds.
Best time to see a Spotted Phlox
The best time to see a Spotted Phlox is June–July, when about 66% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,071 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Spotted Phlox? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Spotted Phlox sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Spotted Phlox?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.