Polemoniaceae

plant family
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

Print
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

Also known as: Jacob’s ladder family, phlox family

Polemoniaceae, the phlox family of plants, comprising about 18 genera and some 385 species of flowering plants in the order Ericales. Members of the family are mostly in North America but also found in temperate parts of western South America and Eurasia. They include many popular garden ornamentals, including scarlet gilia (Ipomopsis aggregata), various phlox species (Phlox), and Jacob’s ladder (Polemonium caeruleum).

Most Polemoniaceae members are herbaceous annuals or perennials, though some are woody. 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.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Melissa Petruzzello.