Polemoniaceae

Phlox viscida

Sticky Phlox

Erect, with woody base. Stems, leaves densely to sparsely coated with sticky glands. Leaves linear to lance-shaped, 1–2 in. long, with fine hairs, some tipped with glands. Flowers 3–15 in tight cluster at stem top, with many glands on stalks 1/2–2 1/2 in. long. Flowers purple, pink, or white, some with pale eye and darker streaks. Grows in thin open woods, rocky or gravelly slopes, at mid to high elevations. There are nonglandular forms with interwoven hairs in Hells Canyon. Similar P. caespitosa is not sticky with glands, has blue-green broadly linear leaves with 3 raised veins, stiff with sharp points and inrolled hairy edges; grows on rocky soils and ridges and in open dry forests at low to mid elevations.

• Rarity: Uncommon
• Flowering Time: Mid Spring
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Height: 4--8 inches
• Habitat: Meadow, Shrub-Steppe
• Found In:
• Native: Yes