Pronounced (approximate): floks gluh-BER-ih-muh in-TEER-ee-or
Pink to purple flowers have five broad, unnotched lobes. Explore the photographs below, from close details to the plant in its surroundings.
Smooth Phlox (Phlox glaberrima subsp. interior): close view of five-lobed flowers. Tap to browse the photo gallery.
Other common names Marsh Phlox, Wabash Smooth Phlox
Family Polemoniaceae
Life cycle Perennial
Blooms June–July
Height About 1½–4 feet
Habitat Moist prairies, including calcareous Lake Michigan coastal prairies
Bloom dates and size vary with region and growing conditions. Native status refers to North America.
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
Moist prairies, including calcareous Lake Michigan coastal prairies. Look for flowers in june–july; timing varies locally.
Compare the usually smooth stems with hairy Prairie Phlox. The photos here are identified as subsp. interior, rather than representing every form of Phlox glaberrima.
Pink to purple flowers have five broad, unnotched lobes.
Opposite narrow leaves end in pointed tips.
Usually smooth, slender stems hold clusters of flowers at their tops.
Browse 17 photographs. Tap any image to enlarge it; use Load more photos for additional views.
Midwestern United States. This entry follows the subspecies interior treatment; some references include it within Phlox glaberrima.
Documented in these states (examples): IL, IN, WI.
Documented examples include Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin; this is not a complete subspecies state list.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing Smooth Phlox, then explore other flowers in the guide.
Original photographs: Where’s Wildlife. Identification and distribution references:
References checked October 2026. Botanical Latin pronunciations are approximate.