Linanthus pungens
granite prickly phlox
Overview
Linanthus pungens is a low, woody-based subshrub of the western mountains and high deserts, growing 4–20 inches (10–50 cm) tall in a dense, cushion-like or sprawling form. The small leaves are divided into rigid, sharply pointed needle-like segments 0.2–0.6 inch (5–15 mm) long, clustered along the stems and prickly to the touch. Tubular flowers about 0.5–0.75 inch (12–18 mm) long flare into five lobes at the mouth, white to pale pink or cream, sometimes tinged yellow, and open in the evening with a sweet fragrance. Flowering runs from May to August depending on elevation. L. pungens grows on granite outcrops, gravelly slopes, sagebrush flats, and open conifer woodland from British Columbia south through the Sierra Nevada and Great Basin to California, Arizona, and New Mexico. It tolerates cold, wind, drought, and poor rocky soil but needs sharp drainage and full sun, and the prickly foliage makes close handling awkward.
Native Range
Linanthus pungens is native to western North America, from British Columbia south through the Sierra Nevada, Cascades, and Great Basin to California, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico. It grows on granite outcrops, gravelly slopes, sagebrush flats, and open conifer woodland.Suggested Uses
Used in rock gardens, gravel gardens, and high-elevation or desert plantings. Spaced 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) apart, it suits dry sunny banks and draws evening moths and other night pollinators.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'8"
Width/Spread8" - 1'8"
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from May to August, varying with elevation. The tubular flowers, about 0.5–0.75 inch (12–18 mm) long, open toward evening, release a sweet fragrance, and draw moths. They range from white and cream to pale pink, sometimes tinged yellow at the throat.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to pale pink or creamFoliage Description
green to gray-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow L. pungens in full sun in gritty, sharply drained sandy or rocky soil. It withstands cold, wind, drought, and lean soil and suits rock gardens and high-elevation or xeric plantings. Soil pH from 6.0 to 7.5 is suitable. The plant fails in heavy, wet, or poorly drained soil and resists transplanting once established. It needs little or no supplemental water in its native climate. Sharp drainage matters more than soil fertility.Pruning
Light shaping after flowering keeps the cushion dense and removes spent stems. The prickly foliage makes hand-pruning slow. Old woody growth responds poorly to hard cutting, so trimming stays light.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons