A small family of herbs having either opposite or alternate leaves and regular, perfect flowers, the lobes of the corolla being convolute in the bud.

Downy Phlox (Phlox Pilosa)

Both the leaves and stem of this species are covered with fine, downy-hairs; the sharply pointed calyx is also hairy and sticky. The plant stands from one to two feet in height. The narrow, lance-shaped leaves are rather closely alternated along the stem. The flowers are in a flat-topped clusters at the summit. The five lobes of the corolla are wide spread and bluntly pointed. The flowers vary in color from a magenta-pink to white.

All varieties of phlox are hardy and make excellent garden plants, a purpose for which they are extensively used. The present species ranges from Conn, to Manitoba and southwards, flowering during May and June in dry woods or on prairies.

A. Downy Phlox.

Phlox pilosa.

B. Moss Pink.

Phlox subulata.

Blue Phlox (Phlox Divaricata)

Blue Phlox (Phlox Divaricata) also has a slightly downy, hairy stem, with broader leaves and leafy, decumbent shoots from the base. The flowers are in loose flat-topped clusters. The five lobes of the corolla are pale lilac and usually notched at the ends. It is found in damp, rocky woods from N. Y. to Minn, and southwards.

Moss Pink; Ground Pink (Phlox Subulata)

Moss Pink; Ground Pink (Phlox Subulata) is a low, creeping species that spreads over sandy or rocky ground, forming compact masses resembling moss. The stem is very branchy but grows only a few inches high; the ends of the branches turn upwards and terminate in clusters of flowers varying from crimson pink to white. The five, spreading lobes of the tubular corolla are wedge-shaped and notched at the tips. The stiff, pointed, evergreen leaves are closely crowded along the stem. Ground Pink is found from western N. E. to Mich, and southwards.