Phlox gracilis (Microsteris gracilis) “Midget Phlox” Polemoniaceae
Missoula, MT
April 23, 2015
Robert Niese
This diminutive flower is an abundant resident of grassy prairies, roadsides, and open forests throughout the Pacific Northwest. Its weedy nature and minuscule, 2-5mm broad flowers make it easy to overlook, but, upon closer inspection, it is a positively adorable native plant. In some locations, the tiny petals have deep lobes and fuchsia markings. Some hillsides here in Missoula have this pale lavender variety as well as a single-flowered, hot pink form.
Northwest Naturalist 