WILDFLOWERS OF NEW MEXICO

Dense cushion-like mats have 3/8–2-inch tall stems mainly parallel and erect and not spreading. Note the fragrant tubular flowers with spreading petals that cover the low mound of stems.

FLOWER: June–August. Stemless, 5/8–1-inch wide with 5 spreading, white to pink to lavender, petal-like lobes; floral tube 1/4–3/8-inch long (6–10 mm); vase-like calyx beneath the flower covered with glandular hairs.

LEAVES: Opposite, crowded, erect against the stem (not spreading). Blade rigid, tooth-like, linear to lance-shaped, 1/4–3/8-inch long (5–10 mm); margin lined with stiff hairs, tips bristly.

HABITAT: Gravelly, rocky soils, scree, tundra; spruce forests, alpine slopes and meadows.

ELEVATION: Above 10,000 feet.

RANGE: CA, CO, NM, NV.

SIMILAR SPECIES: Cushion Phlox, P. pulvinata, in the same range and habitat, has looser cushions with tangled stems and spreading leaves. At lower elevations, Rocky Mountain Phlox, P. multiflora, has a flower with hairless calyx (beneath the petals), and soft leaves.

NM COUNTIES: In NM on Mt. Taylor and Sangre de Cristo Mountains near and  above treeline: Cibola, Mora, Santa Fe.