About Phlox douglasii Hook.
Phlox douglasii Hook. reaches an approximate height of 10 cm, and forms low mounds or cushions. Its leaves are simple, needle-like, dark green, 4–8 millimetres (0.16–0.31 in) long, with sharp tips, and grow in short tufts. This species grows from short woody basal stems, which are mostly hidden by leaves during the growth season. Both leaves and the floral calyx are covered in short hairs with glands at their tips. Flowers can be purple, pink, pale lavender or magenta-red, and measure roughly 1.5 cm across. They typically grow in terminal clusters of 1 to 3, borne on very short pedicels, and bloom from April to August. Phlox douglasii is native to the northwestern United States, found mostly on the Columbia Plateau in Oregon and Washington State. It probably also extends into similar habitat in northern California and parts of Idaho. This species grows in dry areas, sagebrush scrubs and woodlands, at elevations between 300 and 2,000 metres (980–6,560 ft) above sea level. It can be found in Columbia Plateau scabland, growing in rocky soil over shallow basalt bedrock.
