A spring perennial with five-petaled lavender-blue flowers in airy clusters. Carpets the floor of mature forests in late April-May. Among the most reliable early-season nectar sources for forest pollinators.

Also called: Wild Blue Phlox, Woodland Phlox

Native status: Native to eastern North America

§ Quick facts

SizeHeight 30–50 cm
LifespanPerennial
OrderEricales
FamilyPolemoniaceae

§ Encyclopedia

Phlox divaricata, the wild blue phlox, woodland phlox, or wild sweet william, is a species of flowering plant in the family Polemoniaceae, native to forests and fields in eastern North America.

Source: Wikipedia — Phlox divaricata Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Spring wildflower with paired lance-shaped leaves; clusters of brilliant blue 5-petaled flowers.

Similar species. Other Phlox species (different colors or ranges).

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. N/A — photosynthesis

Behavior. Spring wildflower of eastern woodlands. Brilliant blue 5-petaled flowers; important early-season pollinator plant.

§ Range

Eastern North America

§ Habitat

Rich moist deciduous forests

§ Threats

Forest loss, deer browsing, garlic mustard invasion.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the wild blue phlox is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Plant from nursery sources in shade gardens. Support mature forest. Remove garlic mustard.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USDA Plants Database
  • Native Plant Trust