Prairie Phlox is a hairy, spring-blooming phlox native to prairies, open woodlands, and dry, rocky hills across the eastern and central United States. Growing 12–18 inches tall, it produces clusters of pink to purple five-petaled flowers that emit a pleasant fragrance. It is covered in short, spreading hairs (pilosa means 'hairy'), giving it a soft, felty texture. Prairie Phlox is a robust prairie indicator species that is increasingly used in native plantings.
Best time to see a Prairie Phlox
The best time to see a Prairie Phlox is April–May, when about 63% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 9,654 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Prairie Phlox? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Prairie Phlox sightings near you
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Spotted a Prairie Phlox?
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