Spreading Phlox (Phlox diffusa)
Family: Phlox (Polemoniaceae)
This ground-hugging flower is widespread throughout the park, growing in rocky, sunny areas. You can find it in especially large numbers along the Sentinel Dome trail, and if you're a flower photographer, you could well find the carpets of phlox lining the trail a bigger draw than the views from the dome itself at sunset.
Blooms: May - August
Lifespan: Perennial
Origins: Native (see distribution maps for California and US/Canada)
Phlox diffusa etymology: Phlox derives from the ancient Greek term for flame. Diffusa is a Latin word meaning spread out or wide, referring to this diminutive plant's tendency to spread out and cover considerably more horizontal than vertical area.
This Photo: Along the Sentinel Dome trail, late June
Other Resources: CalFlora · CalPhotos · USDA
