Phlox subulata

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Moss Phlox
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Polemoniaceae
Subfamily: Polemonioideae
Genus: Phlox
Species: P. subulata
Binomial name
Phlox subulata
L.
above: cherry tree; below: Phlox subulata in an ornamental planting at Yachounomori Garden in Tatebayashi, Gunma

Phlox subulata[1] (creeping phlox, moss phlox, moss pink, or mountain phlox) is a species of flowering plant in the family Polemoniaceae, native to eastern and central USA, and widely cultivated. Growing to 15 cm (6 in) high and covering a 50 cm (20 in) wide area, it is an evergreen perennial forming mats or cushions of hairy, linear leaves. The small, five-petaled flowers bloom in rose, mauve, blue, white, or pink in late spring to early summer.[2]

The Latin specific epithet subulata means awl- or needle-shaped.[3]

Altercations between gardeners and law enforcement personnel occasionally occur when the odor given off by the plants is mistaken for that of marijuana.[4][5][6]

Cultivation[7][8]

  • Requires full sun and well-drained soil.
  • Hardiness zones: USDA zone 3 to 9

The cultivar 'McDaniel's Cushion' has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[9]

References

  1. ↑ Phlox subulata at Germplasm Resources Information Network
  2. ↑ RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. 2008. p. 1136. ISBN 1405332964. 
  3. ↑ Harrison, Lorraine (2012). RHS Latin for gardeners. United Kingdom: Mitchell Beazley. p. 224. ISBN 9781845337315. 
  4. ↑ "Garden moss that smells like cannabis attracts police raid on pensioners". Mail Online. Associated Newspapers Ltd. Retrieved 20 July 2013. 
  5. ↑ "Police sorry for drug raid mix-up". BBC News. BBC. Retrieved 20 July 2013. 
  6. ↑ Faulkner, Katherine. "The wrong joint". Mail Online - News. Associated Newspapers Ltd. Retrieved 20 July 2013. 
  7. ↑ Phlox subulata at NC State University
  8. ↑ Phloxsubulata at Ohio State University
  9. ↑ "RHS Plant Selector - Phlox subulata 'McDaniel's Cushion'". Retrieved 20 July 2013. 

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