Scientific Family
Polemoniaceae
Other common names
desert phlox
vine phlox
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
To 3 feet
Riparian
No
Showy plants that form tufts in open areas with stems up to 3 feet high. The white flowers are numerous, in loose clusters at the end of stems. In shade, stems are vine-like and
supported by neighboring shrubs. These plants are only known in Arizona.
Open plants with ascending stems, mostly 12 to 24 inches tall, narrowly funnel-form flowers on stalks, narrow opposite leaves, ovary with 1 ovule per cavity, calyx membranes flat or
transversely wrinkled.
Habitat
Along washes, on rocky slopes and in canyons in the mountain foothills.
Plant Community
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Interior Chaparral
Grasslands
Desert Scrub
Low elevation
1500
High elevation
5000
Flower Characteristics
The white flowers are funnel-shaped to 1 inch wide with a yellow inner tube. Occasionally the plant will bloom in the fall after summer rains.
Flower color
White to light purple
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
February
Last bloom month
May
Flower clusters
Other
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
The narrow, flat leaves are to 2 inches long.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Dark green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
Yes
Leaf hairs
Stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
The fruit is a dry capsule with a couple of seeds.
Fruit type
Capsule