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Aug 3, 2016 9:17 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Che Clark
Chicago, IL (western suburbs) (Zone 5b)
This has been quietly growing - but not flowering - for a couple years now in a partial sun area that was once much sunnier before nearby trees matured. Figured I would let it grow and see what happens. No idea what it is, though I see it in many beds in the area. Can anyone assist with ID? Thanks in advance!


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Aug 3, 2016 9:29 PM CST
Name: Lin Vosbury
Sebastian, Florida (Zone 10a)

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Aug 4, 2016 12:30 AM CST
Name: Laurie b
Western Washington (Zone 7b)
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Hi Che, It looks exactly like Tobacco, or Nicotiana. An annual in my zone. But a wonderful plant.
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Aug 4, 2016 6:04 AM CST
Name: Jeanie
Minnesota (Zone 4a)
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It is definitely a garden phlox. It would bloom more if you moved it to a sunnier area.
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Old gardeners never die. They are just pruned and repotted.
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Aug 4, 2016 7:33 AM CST
Name: josephine
Arlington, Texas (Zone 8a)
Hi Everybody!! Let us talk native.
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I vote for Phlox as well. Smiling
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Aug 4, 2016 7:46 AM CST
Name: Lin Vosbury
Sebastian, Florida (Zone 10a)

Region: Ukraine Region: United States of America Bird Bath, Fountain and Waterfall Region: Florida Charter ATP Member I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database!
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It does also resemble Nicotiana but with the rounder petals, the blooms still look more like Phlox to me. Here's a photo of Nicotiana for comparison:
~ I'm an old gal who still loves playing in the dirt!
~ Playing in the dirt is my therapy ... and I'm in therapy a lot!


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Aug 4, 2016 10:31 AM CST
Name: Jeanie
Minnesota (Zone 4a)
Replace your lawn with a garden!
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Region: Minnesota Hostas Heucheras Butterflies Cat Lover Daylilies
I agree it also looks like nicotiana, but the stem and leaf structure indicates phlox. This photo is a good representation of the stem and leaf:


If the plant has been around for a couple of years, it is likely a perennial unless it is an annual that self-seeds - which nicotiana does sometimes.

Che - can you comment or provide additional photos of your plant?
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Old gardeners never die. They are just pruned and repotted.
Avatar for checlarkglobal
Aug 4, 2016 8:31 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Che Clark
Chicago, IL (western suburbs) (Zone 5b)
All - great input. I will definitely provide more detailed photos. Eager to hear your additional thoughts.
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Aug 5, 2016 2:11 AM CST
Name: Danita
GA (Zone 7b)
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It is definitely a Phlox and definitely not Nicotiana. There are many indicators, but the most obvious is the shape of the stigmas. You can see some exposed pistils near the top of the photo. The stigma is split into 3 thin lobes. Nicotiana has a slightly bilobed stigma with more of a rounded, oval shape. Smiling
Avatar for checlarkglobal
Aug 5, 2016 12:18 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Che Clark
Chicago, IL (western suburbs) (Zone 5b)
Few more pics for discussion.


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Thank You!
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Aug 6, 2016 9:38 AM CST
Name: Jeanie
Minnesota (Zone 4a)
Replace your lawn with a garden!
Bee Lover Enjoys or suffers cold winters Sedums Garden Procrastinator Plant Lover: Loves 'em all! Native Plants and Wildflowers
Region: Minnesota Hostas Heucheras Butterflies Cat Lover Daylilies
No question it is a phlox, specifically phlox paniculata.
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Old gardeners never die. They are just pruned and repotted.
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