Wildflowers of the United States

Hairy Phlox, Chalice Phlox - Phlox amoena

Genus Common Name: Phlox

Native Status: Native

Dicot Perennial Herb

Phlox amoena - Hairy Phlox, Chalice Phlox. Phlox species are difficult to differentiate. Not only do several species share similar shapes in both the flower and the leaves, but the color ranges are broad and similar. An identifying characteristic for this species is the hairy calyx, but glabrous corolla tube.

Phlox amoena is a plant of dry forests, roadsides, and hills. It blooms from April thru July, depending on the part of the range. It is found in the southeastern states.

Found in:
AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN

Journal Articles Referencing Phlox

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Distribution of Phlox amoena in the United States and Canada:

Map courtesy of The Biota of North America Program.
Map color key
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Site: Grundy County, TN Date: 2008-April-26	Photographer: Gerald C Williamson Nikon D40
Phlox species are difficult to differentiate. Not only do several species share similar shapes in both the flower and the leaves, but the color ranges are broad and similar. A unique characteristic for Phlox amoena is the hairy flower calyx.

Site: Walker County, GA Date: 2013-May-14	Photographer: Gerald C Williamson Nikon D7000
The stamens are shorter than the corolla tube; they are "included" - do not extend outside the corolla tube. This is a characteristic to note when identifying Phlox species.
Click on the photo for a larger image
Site: Walker County, GA Date: 2013-May-14	Photographer: Gerald C Williamson Nikon D7000
The leafy, hairy bracts subtending the inflorescence typically hide the hairy calyces. While the plant is hairy, the corolla tube is glabrous.
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Site: Grundy County, TN Date: 2008-April-26	Photographer: Gerald C Williamson Nikon D40
This image shows the feature that gives Phlox amoena the "hairy" in its common name.
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Site: Walker County, GA Date: 2013-May-14	Photographer: Gerald C Williamson Nikon D7000
The opposite, lanceolate leaves are hairy, and up to about 2 inches long. They are rarely acuminate (long, sharp point on end), and are usually about 5 times as long as they are wide. Similar species P. lighthipei (sometimes classified as a variety of P. amoena) have relatively narrower leaves, usually being around 10 times as long as they are wide.
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References used for identification and information:

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Phlox amoena initially published on USWildflowers.com 2009-02-15; Updated 2015-06-25

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Code Update 20230302