Phlox condensata
Condensed phlox
(c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Polemoniaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Phlox condensata (Condensed phlox) is a native California herb in the Polemoniaceae family, recognized by tightly cushioned habit, very small coarsely ciliate leaves with abaxial grooves.
Condensed phlox is a California native perennial found in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, southern Sierra Nevada, and northeastern Sierra Nevada in dry, open, rocky areas, especially on limestone and travertine, at elevations of 2,000 to 4,000 meters. Flowering from June to August, this plant produces white to pale pink flowers in solitary, terminal clusters with a corolla tube 8 to 10 millimeters long. Growing as a tightly cushion-like perennial with compact form, it forms dense, low-growing mats in alpine and subalpine environments. Its leaves are distinctively narrow and hairy, measuring 3 to 5 millimeters long, lanceolate in shape, with coarse ciliate margins and a concave upper surface. The plant's unique cushion-like growth habit and limestone-loving nature make it a characteristic species of high-elevation rocky habitats in California's mountain ranges.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 11 sympatric species; key features are tightly cushioned habit, very small coarsely ciliate leaves with abaxial grooves
Habitat and range
Habitat: Dry, open, rocky areas, especially limestone, travertine
Elevation: 2000-4000 m
California counties: San Bernardino, Mono, Inyo, Modoc, Alpine, Tuolumne, El Dorado, Amador, Fresno
Outside California: Oregon, Nevada, Colorado
Bloom period
Phlox condensata 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 condensata native to California?
Yes. Phlox condensata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Phlox condensata bloom?
Phlox condensata blooms Jun-Aug.
Where in California does Phlox condensata grow?
Phlox condensata occurs in San Bernardino, Mono, Inyo, Modoc, Alpine, Tuolumne, El Dorado, Amador and other counties, at elevations of 2000-4000 m.
What plant family does Phlox condensata belong to?
Phlox condensata is in the Polemoniaceae family, genus Phlox.
What habitat does Phlox condensata grow in?
Phlox condensata grows in Dry, open, rocky areas, especially limestone, travertine.
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.