Wisconsin's rare plants

Smooth phlox is an erect forb, 5-12dm tall, with slender, erect, usually smooth stems. It has an inflorescence of usually several cymes, terminal and from the upper 1-4 pairs of axils, calyxes 5-10 mm, red-purple corollas, 1.5-2cm wide and elongate styles. Its fruits are narrow capsules with many small seeds. Leaves are numerous, firm, spreading, linear to narrowly lanceolate or sometimes even ovate, gradually tapering to a sharp tip, and 5-15cm long by 3-20mm wide.

It can be distinguished from other members of the Phlox genus by its stamens and styles, which reach at least the mouth of the tube (vs reaching only half way up tube), and its petals, which are not notched.

Blooming occurs early-June through late-July, fruiting early-July through early-August.

Perennial. The optimal identification period for this species is early-June through July.

Associated species include Tradescantia ohioensis, Spartina pectinata, Allium cernuum, Liatris spicata, Pedicularis canadensis, Dodecatheon meadii, Andropogon scoparius, Sorghastrum nutans, and Pycnanthemum flexuosum.

Smooth phlox prefers wet, calcareous soils and is found in coastal Lake Michigan calcareous prairies.

Avoid known individual plant locations and conduct operations elsewhere when they are least likely to cause damage. Ideally, this would involve frozen, snow-covered ground. However, in areas of the state where frozen conditions are unreliable, very dry soils late in the growing season might be the best available alternative. Consult with a biologist, if needed.

Avoid broadcast spraying of herbicides and use care with spot spraying.

Prescribed burns and/or brushing may be beneficial, dependent on local site conditions and burn frequency. Rotational burns with annual unburned refugia may be preferred.

Minimize disturbance to hydrology, including soil disturbance from rutting.

Maintain and restore open habitat through selective clearing and brushing.

Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) are associated with habitats (or natural communities) and places on the landscape. Understanding relationships among SGCN, natural communities and ecological landscapes help us make decisions about issues affecting SGCN and their habitat and how to respond. Download the Wildlife Action Plan association score spreadsheet to explore rare species, natural communities and ecological landscape associations

Conservation actions respond to issues or threats, which adversely affect species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) or their habitats. Besides actions such as restoring wetlands or planting resilient tree species in northern communities, research, surveys and monitoring are also among conservation actions described in the Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan because lack of information can threaten our ability to successfully preserve and care for natural resources.