Phlox adsurgens
Northern phlox
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Family: Polemoniaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Phlox adsurgens (Northern phlox) is a native California subshrub in the Polemoniaceae family, recognized by decumbent stems with erect flower branches and glabrous elliptic-ovate leaves.
Northern phlox is a California native perennial found in the Klamath Ranges, northern Coast Ranges, and Cascade Range in open, wooded areas and mixed-evergreen and montane conifer forests at elevations of 500 to 2,000 meters. Flowering from June to August, this plant produces bright pink flowers with rounded corolla lobes in delicate clusters. Growing with decumbent stems 10 to 30 centimeters long and erect flower branches, it forms low-spreading clusters in forest understories. Its leaves are elliptic-ovate, 1 to 3 centimeters long and 1 to 4 centimeters wide, growing glabrous and bright green. The flowers feature glandular-hairy calyxes with lobes longer than the tube, creating a distinctive appearance in woodland settings.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 3 sympatric species; key features are decumbent stems with erect flower branches and glabrous elliptic-ovate leaves
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open, wooded areas, mixed-evergreen and montane conifer forest
Elevation: 500-2000 m
California counties: Siskiyou, Humboldt, Trinity, Mendocino, Del Norte
Outside California: Oregon
Bloom period
Phlox adsurgens blooms Jun-Aug.
How to tell it apart
vs Linanthus: Phlox has opposite leaves; Linanthus has alternate leaves arranged singly along the stem.; vs Leptosiphon: Phlox leaves are completely undivided blades; Leptosiphon leaves are deeply cut into finger-like segments.; vs Pelargonium: Phlox has opposite, narrow unlobed leaves; Pelargonium has alternate, round lobed leaves with strong scent.; vs Catharanthus: Phlox is native with opposite leaves; Catharanthus (periwinkle) has glossy opposite leaves with white midvein.; vs Dianthus: Phlox has spreading 5-petaled flowers with tube; Dianthus has fringed or toothed petals emerging from tubular calyx.
Frequently asked questions
Is Phlox adsurgens native to California?
Yes. Phlox adsurgens is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Phlox adsurgens bloom?
Phlox adsurgens blooms Jun-Aug.
Where in California does Phlox adsurgens grow?
Phlox adsurgens occurs in Siskiyou, Humboldt, Trinity, Mendocino, Del Norte, at elevations of 500-2000 m.
What plant family does Phlox adsurgens belong to?
Phlox adsurgens is in the Polemoniaceae family, genus Phlox.
What habitat does Phlox adsurgens grow in?
Phlox adsurgens grows in Open, wooded areas, mixed-evergreen and montane conifer forest.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.