Thickleaf Phlox (Phlox carolina)

Phlox carolina is known by the common name Thickleaf Phlox. We found these plants in the shade in Wilkes and Dawson counties in mid June. The plants were 24 to 30 inches tall. Flowers ranged from a pale lilac purple to a pale cerise pink.

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It was almost dark when we found them by a culvert under a road in Wilkes County. These were shot with a flash. The opposite leaves are clearly visible in the lower photo.

This plant as growing in the shade by a highway in Dawson County.

A flower, face on.

The flowers in profile. The buds with folded petals are exquisite.

This plant in Dawson County was unusual in having three opposite leaves in contrast to the usual two opposite leaves.

Phlox carolina (Thickleaf Phlox) is native to North America. It grows in states bounded from Virginia west to Illinois and south to Texas.
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Distribution Map:
- United States Department of Agriculture Plants Database: Phlox carolina (Thickleaf Phlox)

Identification resources:
- Southeastern Flora: Thickleaf Phlox (Phlox carolina)
- Natural and Naturalized Plants of the Carolinas and Georgia: Phlox Carolina (Carolina Phlox)
- Missouri Plants: Phlox carolina
- Alabama Plants: Phlox carolina

Related posts:
- 2010: Year Of The Wildflower – Wildflower Index