They are found mostly in North America (one in Siberia) in diverse habitats from alpine tundra to open woodland and prairie.

The name is derived from the Ancient Greek word phlox meaning flame in reference to the intense flower colors of some varieties.

[4] It can be planted to cover banks, fill spaces under tall trees, and spill and trail over slopes.

Creeping phlox blooms in spring and produces long, spreading stems, which become woody with age.

[5] The foliage of Phlox is a food for the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including dot moth, Gazoryctra wielgusi, hummingbird hawk-moth and Schinia indiana (which feeds exclusively on P. pilosa).