Phlox stansburyi subsp. stansburyi
Photo: parent species Phlox stansburyi · (c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Polemoniaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Phlox stansburyi subsp. stansburyi is a native California subshrub in the Polemoniaceae family, recognized by Compact, non-woody clumps; corolla tube 17--25 mm (vs woody, longer-tubed subsp. *superba*).
Stansbury's phlox is a native perennial found in the Great Basin and desert mountains in open areas of pinyon and juniper woodland and disturbed roadsides at elevations of 1,700 to 3,000 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces delicate flowers with a corolla tube 17 to 25 millimeters long. Growing in compact clusters with stems that are generally not woody, it forms dense, tight groupings. Its leaves are short and variable, ranging from wide to linear in shape. The plant's distinctive growth pattern creates tight, clustered mounds in its sparse mountain habitats.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Compact, non-woody clumps; corolla tube 17--25 mm (vs woody, longer-tubed subsp. *superba*)
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open areas of pinyon/juniper woodland, disturbed roadsides
Elevation: 1700-3000 m
California counties: Inyo, San Bernardino, Mono
Outside California: to Utah, New Mexico
Bloom period
Phlox stansburyi subsp. stansburyi blooms Apr-Jun.
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 subsp. stansburyi native to California?
Yes. Phlox stansburyi subsp. stansburyi is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Phlox stansburyi subsp. stansburyi bloom?
Phlox stansburyi subsp. stansburyi blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Phlox stansburyi subsp. stansburyi grow?
Phlox stansburyi subsp. stansburyi occurs in Inyo, San Bernardino, Mono, at elevations of 1700-3000 m.
What plant family does Phlox stansburyi subsp. stansburyi belong to?
Phlox stansburyi subsp. stansburyi is in the Polemoniaceae family, genus Phlox.
What habitat does Phlox stansburyi subsp. stansburyi grow in?
Phlox stansburyi subsp. stansburyi grows in Open areas of pinyon/juniper woodland, disturbed roadsides.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Phlox stansburyi subsp. superba
- Phlox stansburyi var. brevifolia — Cold-desert phlox
- Phlox adsurgens — Northern phlox
- Phlox austromontana — Southern mountain phlox
- Phlox condensata — Condensed phlox
- Phlox diffusa — Spreading phlox
- Polemoniaceae sp. — Phlox family
- Polemonium californicum — California polemonium
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.