Scientific Family
Polemoniaceae
Synonyms
Gilia gracilis, Phlox gracilis
Other common names
pink annual phlox
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Annual
Height
8 inches
Riparian
Yes
Low growing annual with sticky, hairy green leaves and stems; white to bright pink, 5-petaled, tubular flowers in a terminal cluster.
Small, no more than 8 inches tall, branched annual. Leaves are smooth margined, narrow, opposite, hairy and sticky (glandular). Small flowers are usually in pairs, white to pink, 5 petaled, petals notched at the tips.
Habitat
Open grassy areas. Dry to moist places.
Plant Community
Riparian
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Montane Conifer Forest
Interior Chaparral
Grasslands
Low elevation
3000
High elevation
7000
Flower Characteristics
Flowers have 5 petals that are notched at the tips. They are white to bright pink with a long, slender yellow-throated tube and bright yellow stamens. Flowers are to 1/8 inch wide and 1/2 inch long in a terminal cluster.
Flower color
White to bright pink
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
March
Last bloom month
August
Flower clusters
Other
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Leaves are dark green above and lighter green beneath to 3 inches long. Leaves and stems are very sticky and hairy.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Less than 1/4 inch long.
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit color
Brown