lobes obovate, obtuse, 6-9 mm (.24-. 35 in) long, 4-7 mm 

 (.16-. 28 in) wide, style 5-9 mm (.2-. 31 m) long. 



LOCAL FIELD CHARACTERS: There are five other species of 

 low-growing phlox in central Montana with which moss phlox 

 miqht be confused. The most common phlox m plains habitat 

 is Hood's phlox (Phlox hoodii ) , from which it differs m 

 having longer leaves of 10-25 mm vs. 3-10 ^^J-J-^ ^J/^^- 



12- 4 in) and loosely tufted vs. densely matted growth 

 form. It differs from Alyssum-leaved phlox ( Phlox 

 alvssifolia), Kelsey phlox (Phlox kelseyi) and Many-flowered 

 phlox (Phl^x multiflora) in having linear, relatively narrow 

 leaves (Tl^. or less at middle) rather than broader leaves. 

 It most closely resembles Tufted phlox (Phlox caespitosa ) 

 but it is not densely matted, is usually over 6 cm (2.4 m) 

 high and occupies plains settings rather than mountains. 



D. GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION 



1 RANGE: Moss phlox is a Great Plains species ranging from 

 eastern Montana and southwestern North Dakota to Colorado 

 and Kansas. In Montana it is known from Carter County and 

 from Dawson County (the collection label for the latter is 

 believed to be in error, reading: McCone County) within 1/2 

 mile of McCone County. 



2. CURRENT SITES: All three Montana records of this species 

 are current. 



3. HISTORICAL SITES: None. 



None , 



4. UNVERIFIED/UNDOCUMENTED REPORTS: 



5 AREAS SURVEYED BUT SPECIES NOT LOCATED: This species was 

 sought in sandy open settings, particularly those uplands 

 similar to the microwave tower collection site on Mount 

 Antelope southeast of Circle. 



