Wild phlox (Phlox divaricata) is found across a broad region from the central United States and north into Canada, growing in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 8. A member of the Polemoniaceae plant family, wild phlox is a perennial which grows in low shrub form and is found in woodlands, wetlands and along the woodsy borders of fields. It grows to roughly 2 feet tall by 2 feet broad, and sends up its summer-blooming purple-blue blooms on slender stems. Wild phlox grows in various types of soil, tolerates mild droughts and propagates by releasing its large supply of seeds from the autumn.
Notice if the flower you think is wild phlox is increasing in full shade or part shade and in the woods, since this is the plant’s preferred habitat.
Cut one blossom cluster and its own stem in the plant and also affirm it is wild phlox by first noting its color, which should be light blue or blue purple, and in certain cases, white. Notice if the petals are fused at the base and that a narrow tube runs up from this foundation to where they join in the center near the peak of the flower.
Measure the cluster, that ought to be made up of 3 to 5 flowers, and look for a width of approximately 2 inches, with each flower measuring 1/2-inch to 1 inch broad.
Confirm the bract, or so the first petals just below the base of each flower, is hairy and that the petals are narrow close to the center and widen and grow rounder toward the outer ends.
Examine the leaves, which should measure 1 to 2 inches long and 1/2-inch wide across a rounded base. They’re opposite from one another on the stem, taper to a slightly rounded or pointed tip and are fused directly onto the plant’s most important stem. Be sure the main stem is slightly hairy and perhaps somewhat sticky.
Measure the plant to be confident it falls in the typical documented height of 10 to 18 inches, and assess the width, which should measure approximately 18 to 24 inches.