POLEMONIACEAE

phlox, or Jacob's ladder, family of plants; there are between 15 and 20 genera and about 300 species, mostly in North America but found in temperate parts of western South America and Eurasia. The family includes many popular garden ornamentals. A few species are woody, but most are herbaceous annuals or perennials. The tubular, five-lobed, funnel-shaped or flaring flowers are gathered into clusters or heads. They usually have three-chambered ovaries with styles topped by three narrow stigmas.