•Status in Florida: Native
•Size at Maturity: Woodland Phlox typically grows as a perennial herbaceous plant, forming clumps and reaching heights of about 6 to 12 inches tall.
•Phenology: Perennial herb with delicate clusters of lavender to blue flowers that bloom in spring.
•Life Cycle: Perennial
•Bloom Season: Spring
•Deciduous, Dioecious, Evergreen: Deciduous
•Sunlight Requirements: Partial shade to full shade
•Soil Texture: Moist, well-drained soils; prefers rich, humusy soils
•Soil pH: Tolerant of a wide range, but prefers slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5-7.0)
•Moisture Requirements: Moist soil; benefits from regular watering, especially during dry periods
•Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low tolerance
•Recommended Landscape Uses: Woodland gardens, shade gardens, naturalized areas, rock gardens
•Maintenance Tips: Moderate maintenance; may benefit from deadheading spent flowers to prolong blooming period; divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor
•Considerations: Woodland Phlox is highly attractive to pollinators, especially butterflies, and provides important early-season nectar sources.
•Deer and/or Rabbit Resistance: Moderately resistant; may be browsed by deer and rabbits, especially in areas with high populations
•Edible: While not typically consumed by humans, Woodland Phlox is valued as an ornamental plant and is not considered edible.
•Medicinal Uses: Historically used by Native American tribes for various medicinal purposes, including as a treatment for skin ailments and sore throats.
•Toxicity to Pets: Not known to be toxic to pets, but ingestion of large quantities of plant material may cause gastrointestinal upset.
•Florida Native Companion Plant: Woodland Phlox is often found growing alongside other native plants in shaded habitats, including species such as Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica) and Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis).
•Wildlife Benefit: Attracts pollinators such as butterflies; provides habitat and food for insects and other wildlife. Larval host plants of swallowtails, grey hairstreaks and western pygmy blues. It’s also a food source for rabbits, voles and deer
