Phlox dolichantha
Big bear valley phlox, Big Bear Valley Phlox
(c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Polemoniaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Phlox dolichantha (Big bear valley phlox) is a native California subshrub in the Polemoniaceae family, recognized by erect stems, sickle-shaped leaves, and very long corolla tubes.
Big bear valley phlox is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in the San Bernardino Mountains in open areas and rocky slopes in forest at elevations of 2,000 to 2,700 meters. Flowering from May to June, this plant produces white, pink, or lavender flowers with a delicate, elongated corolla tube 35 to 50 millimeters long. Growing with erect stems that are nearly smooth or lightly glandular-hairy, it reaches moderate heights with an open habit. Its leaves are distinctively sickle-shaped and lanceolate, measuring 2 to 6 centimeters long, with a slender terminal flower cluster. The plant's flowers feature a glandular-puberulent calyx 10 to 12 millimeters long, expanding slightly as fruits develop.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 3 sympatric species; key features are erect stems, sickle-shaped leaves, and very long corolla tubes
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open areas and rocky slopes in forest
Elevation: 2000-2700 m
California counties: San Bernardino, Mono
Bloom period
Phlox dolichantha blooms May-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
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 dolichantha native to California?
Yes. Phlox dolichantha is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Phlox dolichantha bloom?
Phlox dolichantha blooms May-Jun.
Where in California does Phlox dolichantha grow?
Phlox dolichantha occurs in San Bernardino, Mono, at elevations of 2000-2700 m.
What plant family does Phlox dolichantha belong to?
Phlox dolichantha is in the Polemoniaceae family, genus Phlox.
Is Phlox dolichantha rare or endangered?
Phlox dolichantha carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · 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.