Phlox sp.
(c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Polemoniaceae · Type: Perennial · Variable; species dependent
Phlox sp. is a non-native California perennial in the Polemoniaceae family.
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 sp. native to California?
No. Phlox sp. is not native to California (recorded as variable; species dependent).
What plant family does Phlox sp. belong to?
Phlox sp. is in the Polemoniaceae family, genus Phlox.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.