Wild Blue Phlox

     
"The first weekend in April,

We usually see them. 

The pale blue flowers

Of the Sweet William."

Phlox divaricata, an early spring flower, has a loose cluster of sweet smelling violet-blue to white  flowers. You will find them in shaded woods or mountain slopes. The plant, growing to a height of 10-20 inches, spreads by seeds or runners. You may also hear people call it "Wild Sweet William".
It is a very popular wildflower in North Alabama.