Wild Blue Phlox

Wild Blue Phlox (Phlox divaricata)

Phlox is one of the most common wildflowers in our woods. However, until I begin researching for this post, I never realize that our blue phlox and white phlox were the same species. According to Missouri Flora, blue phlox can range from blue-purple, to rose to white. Around our place, blue phlox has been blooming for about a month and it is scattered throughout the woods. White phlox is just starting to bloom and is much more confined to specific locations. Live and learn.

Links:
Missouri Flora
USDA Distribution Map
National Gardening Association

Wild Blue Phlox

Phlox

Photo by Marvin March 29, 2007

Phlox (Phlox divaricata)

Phlox (Phlox divaricata) is by far our most common woodland wildflower during the spring, both in terms of quantity and length of bloom. Blue Wood Phlox have already been blooming for three or four weeks.

According to the ID guides I found online, the white phlox below is the same genus and species. The white variety is much less common, and the plants that I've found are growing as individuals, not in the clusters common to Blue Wood Phlox.

Photo by Marvin April 5, 2007

Additional resources:
Missouri Plants (blue)
Missouri Plants (white)
Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses (blue)

Phlox