Phlox stansburyi
Cold desert phlox
(c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Polemoniaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Phlox stansburyi (Cold desert phlox) is a native California subshrub in the Polemoniaceae family, recognized by Open leaning desert shrublet; very long corolla tube (to ~39 mm) vs cushion congeners.
Cold desert phlox is a California native perennial found in desert and semi-arid regions of the western United States in open shrublands and rocky areas. Flowering from spring to early summer, this plant produces delicate pink to white flowers with tubular corollas 9 to 35 millimeters long. Growing with branched stems that often lean and weave through surrounding shrubs, it reaches heights of 15 to 30 centimeters with a woody base. Its leaves are lance-linear to lance-ovate, measuring 1 to 11 centimeters long and covered in soft glandular hairs that give the plant a slightly fuzzy appearance. The plant's ability to grow through and among other shrubs, combined with its delicate flowers and hairy foliage, makes it a distinctive component of cold desert ecosystems.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Open leaning desert shrublet; very long corolla tube (to ~39 mm) vs cushion congeners
Habitat and range
California counties: San Bernardino, Inyo, Mono, Lassen, Modoc, Amador, Alpine, Sierra, Trinity, El Dorado
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 stansburyi native to California?
Yes. Phlox stansburyi is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Phlox stansburyi grow?
Phlox stansburyi occurs in San Bernardino, Inyo, Mono, Lassen, Modoc, Amador, Alpine, Sierra and other counties.
What plant family does Phlox stansburyi belong to?
Phlox stansburyi is in the Polemoniaceae family, genus Phlox.
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.