Spiny Phlox

Phlox hoodii

One of the earliest flowers to bloom in the spring, spiny phlox grows close to the ground like a cushion and is covered with many tiny white or pinkish-white flowers. The leaves are soft spines crowded along short stems, which gives the plant a mossy look. Spiny phlox can grow in very exposed areas of the coulees but can also be found on more protected slopes.

Look for spiny phlox on coulee ridges in April!