Phlox pulchra Wherry

Alabama Phlox; Wherry's Phlox

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Alabama Phlox is a native herbaceous evergreen perennial in the Phlox family (Polemoniaceae). It is endemic to Alabama where it occurs at scattered locations throughout the state. Alabama Phlox occurs in mixed pine/hardwood forests, on roadsides, and in forest openings. It is a perennial with slender rhizomes. Plants produce both flowering and sterile stems from the same root stock. The flowering stems are erect, 1-1 ½ feet tall, green in color, and glabrous. The sterile stems are 6-8 inches in length and sprawling. The internodes towards the base of the stem are the shortest. Leaves are opposite, sessile or with short clasping based petioles, elliptic to oblong in outline, glabrous, with entire margins. The leaves on the sterile stems tend to be crowded. Fragrant flowers are produced in a terminal cyme. Flowers have 5 linear-lanceolate sepals fused into a narrow tube. The corolla is salverform with a narrow tube and spreading lobes. At least some of the stamens are longer than the tube. Flower color ranges from bright pink to white. The fruit is a capsule. Alabama Phlox is listed as a S1 species in Alabama (typically 5 or fewer occurrences, very few remaining individuals, acres, or miles of stream, or some factor of its biology making it especially vulnerable in the state.), and globally as a G2 species. Alabama Phlox is available from some native plant nurseries. It prefers a semi-shaded location with a moist but well-draining soil. Several cultivars are available including “Bibb Pink” and “Eco Pale Moon”.--A. Diamond

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Native Endemic S1 (State Rank) G2 (Global Rank)

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