Moss Phlox (Phlox subulata) is in the phlox family family (Polemoniaceae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 3,380 research-grade flowering observations of it in our sample, peaking in April.
Nationally it blooms mainly from April to May, but timing varies a lot by state and elevation — see the table below.
When to photograph Moss Phlox: observations by month (U.S.)
About Moss Phlox
Phlox subulata (creeping phlox, moss phlox, moss pink, or mountain phlox) is a species of flowering plant in the family Polemoniaceae, native to eastern and central USA, and widely cultivated. Growing to 15 cm (6 in) high and covering a 50 cm (20 in) wide area, it is an evergreen perennial forming mats or cushions of hairy, linear leaves. The small, five-petaled flowers bloom in rose, mauve, blue, white, or pink in late spring to early summer.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Moss Phlox by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | 396 | April | Apr–May |
| Virginia | 353 | April | Apr–Apr |
| Pennsylvania | 338 | April | Apr–May |
| New York | 330 | May | Apr–May |
| Massachusetts | 279 | May | Apr–May |
| North Carolina | 241 | April | Mar–Apr |
| Georgia | 128 | March | Mar–Apr |
| Tennessee | 121 | April | Mar–Apr |
| Michigan | 113 | May | May–May |
| Minnesota | 107 | May | May–May |
| West Virginia | 106 | April | Apr–May |
| Ohio | 92 | April | Apr–May |
| Connecticut | 89 | May | Apr–May |
| New Hampshire | 87 | May | May–May |
| Maine | 74 | May | May–May |
| Vermont | 73 | May | May–May |
| Alabama | 69 | April | Mar–Apr |
| New Jersey | 59 | April | Apr–May |
| Wisconsin | 53 | May | May–May |
| Kentucky | 50 | April | Apr–Apr |
| Missouri | 48 | April | Apr–Apr |
| Indiana | 31 | May | Apr–May |
| Rhode Island | 29 | May | Apr–May |
| South Carolina | 22 | March | Mar–Apr |
| Illinois | 21 | April | Apr–May |
| Arkansas | 15 | April | Mar–Apr |
| Iowa | 10 | May | Apr–May |
| Utah | 8 | May | May–May |
| Colorado | 7 | May | Apr–May |
| Nebraska | 7 | May | Apr–May |
| Delaware | 5 | April | Apr–May |
| Oklahoma | 5 | March | Mar–Apr |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related wildflowers (phlox family)
Photography tips
- Photograph flowers on calm, overcast mornings to avoid wind blur and harsh shadows.
- Get low: a shallow depth of field (f/2.8–f/5.6) isolates a bloom against soft color.
- Stay on trails — trampling meadows kills plants and ruins next year's display.
- Try a kaleidoscope abstract of a single bloom with our online kaleidoscope tool.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Moss Phlox?
Nationally, April has the most observations, with the main season from April to May.
Where is Moss Phlox most often seen?
The most observations come from Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania.