Hairy Phlox (Phlox amoena)

Erect, finely hairy perennial herb to 12" tall, stems erect or reclining at the base. Leaves: opposite, 1-2" long, narrowly oblong to lanceolate and ascending.

Flowers: red-purple (also lavender to white) 0.6-0.8" across, tubular with 5 divergent lobes; style short, not reaching the lowest anthers, anthers remain inside the flower tube and are not visible upon flowering. Compact inflorescence with a hairy calyx. 

Bloom time: April - June.

Where found: dry woods and fields from southern KY to Western NC, south to northern FL and Eastern MS. In Middle and East TN. Frequent.

Phloxes, sometimes referred to as "sweet williams" are popular because for a minimum effort, gardeners can
have a striking, long-lasting and sweet smelling display.

Most of the 50-60 species are native and found only in North American, with a few species in northern Asia.
Species of Phlox were not cultivated in North America until they were reintroduced by European horticulturists.

Phlox species often hybridize in the wild making them difficult to identify. There are 11 species listed for TN.