Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 23, 2026

Phlox variabilis

Phlox variabilis, the variegated phlox, is a species of flowering plant in the family Polemoniaceae, native to the U.S. states of Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah and Texas. A mat-forming perennial reaching 10 cm (4 in), it is found in a variety of habitats that have limited competition from other plants.

Last revised
Jul 23, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
Length
168 w
Citations
4
Source
Phlox variabilis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Embryophytes
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Spermatophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Polemoniaceae
Genus: Phlox
Species:
P. variabilis
Binomial name
Phlox variabilis
Synonyms1
  • Phlox aspera E.E.Nelson
  • Phlox drummondii subvar. aspera (E.E.Nelson) Brand
  • Phlox kelseyi subsp. variabilis (Brand) Wherry
  • Phlox pilosa subsp. latisepala Wherry

Phlox variabilis, the variegated phlox, is a species of flowering plant in the family Polemoniaceae, native to the U.S. states of Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah and Texas.1 A mat-forming perennial reaching 10 cm (4 in), it is found in a variety of habitats that have limited competition from other plants.2

Subtaxa

The following subspecies are accepted:1

  • Phlox variabilis subsp. latisepala (Wherry) Locklear – Texas
  • Phlox variabilis subsp. nudata Wherry – Montana
  • Phlox variabilis subsp. variabilis – Idaho, Montana, Utah, Wyoming
References

References

  1. "Phlox variabilis Brand". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
  2. "Phlox variabilis Brand Variegated Phlox". Plant Database. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. 22 November 2010. Retrieved 30 August 2023.