Phlox dispersa
High sierra phlox, High Sierra Phlox
(c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matt Berger · licence
Family: Polemoniaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.3
Phlox dispersa (High sierra phlox) is a native California herb in the Polemoniaceae family, recognized by long creeping rhizomes with widely spaced leaf clusters and leathery sharp-tipped leaves.
High sierra phlox is a California native perennial ranked 4.3 by CNPS, found in southern Sierra Nevada Mountains in Tulare and Inyo counties on dry granite flats at elevations of 3,600 to 4,200 meters. Flowering from July to August, this plant produces white flowers with irregularly margined lobes in small terminal clusters. Growing as a compact, cushion-like perennial with long, creeping rhizomes, it forms dense mats of delicate stems. Its leaves grow in widely spaced clusters, each narrow and lance-linear, approximately 5 to 10 millimeters long, with a distinctive leathery texture and sharp-pointed tips. The plant's white flower corollas feature tubes about 10 millimeters long, creating intricate clusters against the high alpine landscape.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 6 sympatric species; key features are long creeping rhizomes with widely spaced leaf clusters and leathery sharp-tipped leaves
Habitat and range
Habitat: dry flats of loose granite
Elevation: generally 3600-4200 m
Bloom period
Phlox dispersa blooms Jul-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.3
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 dispersa native to California?
Yes. Phlox dispersa is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Phlox dispersa bloom?
Phlox dispersa blooms Jul-Aug.
What plant family does Phlox dispersa belong to?
Phlox dispersa is in the Polemoniaceae family, genus Phlox.
Is Phlox dispersa rare or endangered?
Phlox dispersa carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.3, state rank S3.
What habitat does Phlox dispersa grow in?
Phlox dispersa grows in dry flats of loose granite.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.