Phlox Trivia Questions and Answers

1: What is the scientific classification order of the Phlox plant?
A: Asterales
B: Ericales
C: Fabales
D: Rosales
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Phlox belongs to the order Ericales.

2: How many species are there in the genus Phlox?
A: 30
B: 50
C: 68
D: 100
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: There are 68 species in the genus Phlox.

3: Which continent is the primary home of Phlox plants?
A: Asia
B: South America
C: Africa
D: North America
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Phlox plants are mostly found in North America.

4: What season do Creeping Phlox plants typically bloom?
A: Winter
B: Spring
C: Summer
D: Fall
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Creeping Phlox blooms in the spring.

5: What type of seed do fertilized Phlox flowers typically produce?
A: Tiny seeds
B: No seeds
C: One relatively large seed
D: Multiple small seeds
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Fertilized Phlox flowers typically produce one relatively large seed.

6: Which species of Phlox grows upright and is known as garden Phlox?
A: Phlox subulata
B: Phlox paniculata
C: Phlox divaricata
D: Phlox hoodii
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Phlox paniculata, also known as garden Phlox, grows upright.

7: In which season does tall phlox (P. paniculata) bloom?
A: Spring
B: Summer
C: Winter
D: Fall
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Tall phlox (P. paniculata) blooms from July to September, which is in summer.

8: Which Phlox species is commonly known as moss phlox?
A: Phlox douglasii
B: Phlox subulata
C: Phlox drummondii
D: Phlox sibirica
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Phlox subulata is commonly known as moss phlox.

9: What term is used to describe the opening of Phlox fruit?
A: Axial opening
B: Lateral opening
C: Longitudinally dehiscent
D: Sporadic opening
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The fruit of Phlox is a longitudinally dehiscent capsule.

10: What is the meaning of the word “phlox” in Ancient Greek?
A: Fire
B: Water
C: Flame
D: Ice
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The word “phlox” in Ancient Greek means flame.

11: Which color is NOT typically seen in Phlox flowers?
A: Blue
B: Black
C: Pink
D: White
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Phlox flowers may be pale blue, violet, pink, bright red, or white, but not black.

12: For what purpose is Phlox subulata considered beneficial in gardening?
A: Produces nutritious fruits
B: Acts as ground cover
C: Emits medicinal scent
D: Draws away pests
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Creeping phlox spreads rapidly and makes great ground cover.

13: Which animal exclusively feeds on P. pilosa?
A: Hummingbird hawk-moth
B: Dot moth
C: Schinia indiana
D: Gazoryctra wielgusi
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Schinia indiana larvae feed exclusively on Phlox pilosa.

14: Which Phlox species is derived from an alpine habitat and requires full sun and good drainage?
A: Phlox divaricata
B: Phlox paniculata
C: Phlox subulata
D: Phlox drummondii
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Creeping phlox (P. subulata) is derived from alpine habitats and requires full sun and good drainage.

15: Which species of Phlox needs partial shade and soil rich in humus?
A: Phlox divaricata
B: Phlox paniculata
C: Phlox douglasii
D: Phlox drummondii
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Woodland habitats species, such as Phlox divaricata, require partial shade and rich soil.

16: What is the common use for P. paniculata in gardens regarding sunlight and moisture?
A: Full shade and dry soil
B: Partial shade and dry soil
C: Full sun and moisture at roots
D: Full sun and dry soil
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Phlox paniculata requires full sun and moisture at the roots.

17: How are Phlox plants often propagated in gardens?
A: By seeds
B: By leaves
C: By stem cuttings
D: By roots
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Phlox can be propagated from stem cuttings.

18: What attracts butterflies to gardens with Phlox plants?
A: Their height
B: Their fragrance
C: Their vibrant colors
D: Their seeds
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Phlox are valued for their ability to attract butterflies with their vibrant colors.

19: Which species of Phlox flowers in summer and fall and is known for explosive seed dispersal?
A: Phlox paniculata
B: Phlox divaricata
C: Phlox drummondii
D: Phlox subulata
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Phlox paniculata flowers in summer and fall, and its fruit can sometimes disperse seeds explosively.

20: What is the general growth pattern of creeping Phlox plants?
A: Vertical growth
B: Horizontal mat growth
C: Spherical growth
D: Spiral growth
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Creeping phlox (P. subulata) grows short and matlike, spreading horizontally.

21: From where does the name Phlox derive?
A: French word for flower
B: Latin word for flame
C: Ancient Greek word for flame
D: German word for light
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The name Phlox is derived from the Ancient Greek word for flame.

22: Which Phlox species is an annual rather than a perennial?
A: Phlox drummondii
B: Phlox subulata
C: Phlox divaricata
D: Phlox paniculata
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Most cultivated phlox species are perennial except Phlox drummondii, which is an annual.

23: Which species of Phlox is known for rapidly spreading and making great ground cover?
A: Phlox divaricata
B: Phlox paniculata
C: Phlox subulata
D: Phlox drummondii
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Creeping phlox (P. subulata) spreads rapidly and is known for making great ground cover.

24: Where was Creeping Phlox introduced into cultivation?
A: 1600s
B: 1750s
C: Late 1700s
D: Early 1800s
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Creeping Phlox was introduced into cultivation by the late 1700s.

25: Which species of Phlox is also known as mountain phlox?
A: Phlox subulata
B: Phlox divaricata
C: Phlox paniculata
D: Phlox drummondii
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Phlox subulata is also known as mountain phlox.

26: What habitat is Phlox henersonii from?
A: Desert
B: Alpine
C: Woodland
D: Prairie
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Phlox henersonii comes from the woodland habitats.

27: Which species of Phlox is called three-seed phlox?
A: Phlox hirsuta
B: Phlox subulata
C: Phlox triovulata
D: Phlox paniculata
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Phlox triovulata is called three-seed phlox.

28: Which Phlox species has a fruit that opens longitudinally and sometimes disperses seeds explosively?
A: Phlox subulata
B: Phlox paniculata
C: Phlox divaricata
D: Phlox drummondii
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The fruit of Phlox paniculata is longitudinally dehiscent and can disperse seeds explosively.

29: How many valves does the fruit capsule of Phlox typically have?
A: One
B: Two
C: Three or more
D: Four
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The fruit capsule of Phlox typically has three or more valves.

30: In which habitat are most species of Phlox found?
A: Deserts
B: Coastal areas
C: North American diverse habitats
D: Tropical forests
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Phlox species are mostly found in diverse habitats in North America.

31: Which Phlox species is native from New York to Iowa south to Georgia, Mississippi, and Arkansas?
A: Phlox subulata
B: Phlox paniculata
C: Phlox divaricata
D: Phlox drummondii
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Phlox paniculata is native from New York to Iowa south to Georgia, Mississippi, and Arkansas.

32: What part of the Phlox plant is commonly eaten by groundhogs, rabbits, and deer?
A: The flowers
B: The seeds
C: The leaves and foliage
D: The roots
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The foliage of Phlox is a common food source for groundhogs, rabbits, and deer.

33: Which Phlox species is known for its upright growth pattern?
A: Phlox subulata
B: Phlox paniculata
C: Phlox divaricata
D: Phlox drummondii
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Phlox paniculata is known for its upright growth pattern.

34: When did Phlox subulata get introduced into cultivation?
A: 1700s
B: Early 1800s
C: Late 1800s
D: 1900s
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Phlox subulata was introduced into cultivation by the late 1700s.

35: What attracts butterflies to Phlox plants in gardens?
A: Bright flower colors
B: Size of the plant
C: Number of seeds
D: Thickness of leaves
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Phlox plants attract butterflies with their bright flower colors.

36: Which Phlox species has stems that become woody with age?
A: Phlox divaricata
B: Phlox subulata
C: Phlox paniculata
D: Phlox drummondii
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Creeping Phlox (P. subulata) produces long, spreading stems that become woody with age.

37: What kind of habitats do Phlox plants range from?
A: Desert dunes to coral reefs
B: Alpine tundra to open woodland and prairie
C: Mangroves to ice caps
D: Underwater beds to mountain peaks
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Phlox plants are found in habitats ranging from alpine tundra to open woodland and prairie.

38: What happens to the fruit capsule of Phlox upon maturity?
A: It melts
B: It dissolves
C: It dehisces longitudinally
D: It stays intact
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The fruit capsule of Phlox dehisces longitudinally upon maturity.

39: Which species of Phlox grows short and mat-like?
A: Phlox divaricata
B: Phlox paniculata
C: Phlox subulata
D: Phlox drummondii
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Phlox subulata grows short and mat-like.

40: Which habitat requires full sun and moisture at the roots for Phlox species cultivation?
A: Alpine habitats
B: Woodland habitats
C: Waterside habitats
D: Desert habitats
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Waterside habitats Phlox species, such as P. paniculata, require full sun and moisture at the roots.

41: What is the key characteristic that differentiates Phlox drummondii from other Phlox species?
A: It is a perennial
B: It blooms in winter
C: It is an annual
D: It has no seeds
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Phlox drummondii is an annual, differentiating it from most other Phlox species that are perennials.

42: What colors can Phlox flowers NOT be?
A: Pale blue
B: Bright red
C: Black
D: White
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Phlox flowers do not come in black.

43: Which Phlox species is a popular ground cover due to its rapid spreading nature?
A: Phlox divaricata
B: Phlox paniculata
C: Phlox subulata
D: Phlox drummondii
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Creeping Phlox (P. subulata) is popular for its rapid spreading and ground cover.

44: What is the common feature of the fruit capsule in Phlox plants?
A: It is indestructible
B: It splits open
C: It shrivels up
D: It dissolves in water
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The fruit capsule of Phlox plants splits open, or dehisces, longitudinally.

45: How was the name “Phlox” inspired with respect to the plant’s colors?
A: It refers to water
B: It refers to flame
C: It refers to clay
D: It refers to ice
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The name Phlox refers to flame, inspired by the intense flower colors of some species.

46: Which species of Phlox blooms exclusively in summer and fall?
A: Phlox subulata
B: Phlox paniculata
C: Phlox divaricata
D: Phlox drummondii
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Phlox paniculata blooms from July to September, which is in summer and fall.

47: What is a characteristic habitat requirement for Phlox species from woodland habitats?
A: Full shade
B: Partial shade and humus-rich soil
C: Sandy soil
D: High temperatures
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Phlox species from woodland habitats require partial shade and soil rich in humus.

48: What attractive attribute do Phlox plants bring to gardeners who like butterflies?
A: Foliage patterns
B: Brightly colored flowers
C: High growth rate
D: Large seeds
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Brightly colored flowers of Phlox attract butterflies.

49: What is a significant characteristic of Phlox subulata in terms of coverage?
A: Vertical growth
B: Dense mat-like spread
C: Sporadic flowering
D: No ground cover
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Phlox subulata spreads densely and forms a mat-like ground cover.

50: Are Phlox plants typically perennial or annual?
A: Annual
B: Biennial
C: Perennial
D: Quadrennial
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Most Phlox plants are perennial.

51: What happens to most flowers from the genus Phlox after fertilization?
A: They produce a variety of seeds
B: They produce no seeds
C: They produce one large seed
D: They transform into fruits
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Most fertilized Phlox flowers produce one relatively large seed.

52: Which Phlox species needs full sun and good drainage for optimum growth?
A: Phlox divaricata
B: Phlox subulata
C: Phlox paniculata
D: Phlox drummondii
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Alpine habitat Phlox species, like P. subulata, require full sun and good drainage.

53: Which animal’s larvae are known to feed on Phlox foliage?
A: Frogs
B: Lepidoptera species
C: Rodents
D: Snakes
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The larvae of some Lepidoptera species, including dot moth and Schinia indiana, feed on Phlox foliage.

54: Why is the flowering plant Phlox called by such a name in relation to its color?
A: It blooms at night
B: It has fiery and intense colors
C: It has cool-toned colors
D: It has no fragrance
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The name Phlox refers to the fiery and intense colors of some varieties.

55: How do Phlox plants benefit gardeners from an aesthetic perspective regarding butterflies?
A: They keep pests away
B: They attract beneficial insects
C: They prevent soil erosion
D: The presence of butterflies adds beauty
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The bright flowers of Phlox attract butterflies, adding aesthetic beauty to the garden.

56: Which season does garden Phlox (P. paniculata) bloom till?
A: Spring
B: Summer
C: Fall
D: Winter
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Garden Phlox (P. paniculata) blooms from July to September, covering summer to fall.

57: What habitat is ideal for Phlox cultivated from waterside plants?
A: Dry zones
B: Full sun and moisture at roots
C: Partial shade
D: Sandy soils
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Waterside habitat Phlox species, like P. paniculata, require full sun and moisture at roots.

58: To which region is tall phlox (P. paniculata) native?
A: Northeastern America
B: South Europe
C: Northern Asia
D: Sub-Saharan Africa
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Tall phlox (P. paniculata) is native to regions from New York to Iowa down to Georgia, Mississippi, and Arkansas.

59: Which feature characterizes Phlox paniculata fruit’s seed dispersal?
A: Slow spreading
B: No seed dispersal
C: Explosive separation
D: Mass seed production
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Phlox paniculata fruits may open explosively to disperse seeds.

60: What is the unique identifying characteristic of P. drummondii compared to most other Phlox species?
A: Blooming during frost
B: Being an annual species
C: Having no flowers
D: Producing yellow seeds
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Phlox drummondii is an annual species, unlike most other perennial Phlox species.

Jessmyn Solana

Jessmyn Solana is the Digital Marketing Manager of Interact, a place for creating beautiful and engaging quizzes that generate email leads. She is a marketing enthusiast and storyteller. Outside of Interact Jessmyn loves exploring new places, eating all the local foods, and spending time with her favorite people (especially her dog).

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