Phlox hirsuta
Yreka phlox, Yreka Phlox
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Family: Polemoniaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2 · Endangered
Phlox hirsuta (Yreka phlox) is a native California subshrub in the Polemoniaceae family.
Yreka phlox is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in the northeastern Klamath Ranges in dry serpentine talus and open Jeffrey-pine/incense-cedar forest at elevations of 1,000 to 1,500 meters. Flowering from April to May, this plant produces delicate pink to white flowers with corollas 12 to 15 millimeters long. Growing with erect stems 10 to 20 centimeters tall and coarsely hairy throughout, it develops an open, spreading habit. Its leaves are approximately lanceolate, 10 to 20 millimeters long, with a distinctly hairy texture. The plant's flower calyx is glandular-hairy, measuring 8 to 12 millimeters in length, with keeled membranes that add to its distinctive appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 0 sympatric species; geographically isolated in northeastern Klamath Ranges
Habitat and range
Habitat: dry serpentine talus, open Jeffrey-pine/incense-cedar forest
Elevation: 1000-1500 m
Bloom period
Phlox hirsuta blooms Apr-May.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2 · Endangered
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 hirsuta native to California?
Yes. Phlox hirsuta is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Phlox hirsuta bloom?
Phlox hirsuta blooms Apr-May.
What plant family does Phlox hirsuta belong to?
Phlox hirsuta is in the Polemoniaceae family, genus Phlox.
Is Phlox hirsuta rare or endangered?
Phlox hirsuta carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S1.
What habitat does Phlox hirsuta grow in?
Phlox hirsuta grows in dry serpentine talus, open Jeffrey-pine/incense-cedar forest.
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.