Wild blue phlox is a native, semi-evergreen perennial that grows up to 18 inches tall. It produces both fertile and sterile shoots, with the sterile ones spreading horizontally and rooting at the nodes to help the plant form dense colonies.

Carpets of these pale blue flowers brighten the woodland floor when trees are just starting to put out new leaves. Clusters of delicate blue or violet blooms emerge from tips of sticky stems, each flower with five petal-like, notched lobes extending outward from a slender, tubular corolla - rather than true separate petals.  The five stamens are positioned inside the corolla tube, rather than extending outward. This recessed arrangement ensures that pollinators like butterflies and moths must reach deep into the flower, increasing the likelihood of effective pollen transfer.

Wild phlox thrives in partial to full shade, preferring moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It adapts well to woodland environments, where it benefits from dappled sunlight and natural leaf litter that enriches the soil. Once established, it can tolerate drier conditions, making it a good choice for shaded gardens and native plant landscapes.